Ep 13. The French Chef: French Veal Stew

The French Chef with Julia Child was an iconic cooking show that aired on public television from 1963 to 1973. Julia Child, the beloved host of the show, was an American who fell in love with French cuisine and went on to become a renowned cookbook author and cooking instructor.

Season 4, Episode 13 of The French Chef is titled "French Veal Stew" and shows Julia Child demonstrating how to make a traditional French dish called blanquette de veau. This dish is a creamy stew made with tender veal, vegetables, and a velvety sauce.

The episode begins with Julia Child introducing the dish and explaining that it is a classic staple of French home cooking. She then goes on to demonstrate how to prepare and cook the veal, which is a crucial step in getting the dish just right.

First, she explains that the veal needs to be blanched in boiling water before it can be cooked. This process helps to remove any impurities and tenderize the meat. Once the veal is blanched, Julia shows how to cut it into small pieces and season it with salt and pepper.

Julia then moves on to the vegetables, which include onions, celery, and carrots. She demonstrates how to chop them up and sauté them in butter until they are soft and translucent.

Next, Julia shows how to make the velvety sauce that gives blanquette de veau its signature creamy texture. She makes a roux by whisking together butter and flour, then adds it to the pot with the vegetables. To this, she gradually adds chicken stock and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once the sauce has thickened, she adds the veal and simmers the stew until the meat is tender.

Throughout the episode, Julia shares tips and tricks for making the dish as authentic as possible. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to cook the dish properly. She also shows how to garnish the stew with fresh parsley and serve it over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.

Overall, "French Veal Stew" is a classic episode of The French Chef that demonstrates Julia Child's love of traditional French cuisine. Through her expert guidance, viewers can learn how to make a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.