Jump in Your Mouth Flavor: Make Authentic Veal Saltimbocca at Home
Veal Saltimbocca, which literally translates to “jumps in the mouth”, is one of those Italian dishes that hits the sweet spot of elegant and easy. With thin slices of veal, savory prosciutto, earthy sage, and a luscious wine-butter sauce, this Roman classic comes together in minutes but tastes like something you’d get in a fine Italian trattoria.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a romantic meal for two, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
🧂 Ingredients
- 8 thin veal cutlets (about 1.5 pounds)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 thin slices of prosciutto
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Toothpicks (to secure the sage and prosciutto)
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep the Cutlets:
Lightly season the veal with salt and pepper. Place one slice of prosciutto and one sage leaf on top of each cutlet. Use a toothpick to secure them in place.
Lightly Flour:
Dust the underside (not the prosciutto side) of each cutlet with a little flour. This helps with browning and thickens the sauce later.
Sear the Veal:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Place the cutlets in the pan, prosciutto-side down first, and cook for about 2 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
Deglaze the Pan:
Add the white wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce by half, then stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter.
Sauce It Up:
Return the cutlets to the skillet briefly, just to coat them in the pan sauce.
Serve Immediately:
Remove the toothpicks, plate your veal, and spoon over the wine-butter sauce. Serve with roasted potatoes or sautéed spinach for the ultimate experience.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves for Making the Perfect Veal Saltimbocca
- 🔪 Meat Tenderizer/Mallet – Flatten veal cutlets evenly for uniform cooking.
- 🍳 Heavy-Duty Skillet or Sauté Pan – Delivers even heat distribution for perfect searing.
- 🍷 Dry White Wine for Cooking – Adds rich flavor to your sauce (shelf-stable options available).
- 🧂 Himalayan Salt and Pepper Grinder Set – Season your dish in style with freshly ground flavor.
- 🧻 Toothpicks or Cocktail Picks – Secure the sage and prosciutto to each veal slice.
- 🥣 Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls – Perfect for prepping and flouring your veal.
- 🍽️ Elegant White Dinner Plates – Showcase your final dish like a professional chef.
🍷 Pairing Suggestion
Serve with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or a light Chianti to elevate your Italian experience. Add a simple green salad or buttery polenta on the side for a well-rounded meal.
🥂 Final Bite
Veal Saltimbocca proves that great cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few quality ingredients and a little technique, you can create a dish that truly lives up to its name—it really does jump in your mouth!