Classic Grilled Veal Chops with Merlot Wine Sauce

Serves 4
Total preparation time: 30 minutes plus 1 hour and 15 minutes for Merlot wine sauce

INGREDIENTS

4 (12 oz.) Veal Rib Chops
Olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil cooking spray
Merlot Wine Sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. Rub the chops with oil and season on both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill. Lightly spray the grill rack with vegetable oil cooking spray. The coals should be moderately hot.

3. Grill the chops for 8 to 10 minutes on each side until lightly browned for medium rare. Transfer to a warmed platter and let rest for five minutes. Serve with Merlot wine sauce, if desired.

Merlot Wine Sauce

Makes about 1 cup
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

3 cups Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon (or one 750 ml bottle)
3 cups beef or chicken broth
1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the wine, broth, shallots, and thyme in a nonreactive saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until reduced to about 1 1/2 cups. The sauce should have a thick, syrupy consistency. (The sauce may be made up to one day ahead at this point. Reheat before proceeding.)

2. Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk in the butter. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.





© Lobel's of New York