Authentic Italian Bollito Misto Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Beef brisket
  • 1 pound Beef chuck
  • 1 pound Veal shank
  • 1 Chicken, cut into quarters
  • 1 pound Pork sausage
  • 8 cups Water
  • 2 large Onions, peeled and quartered
  • 2 large Carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 4 Celery stalks, cut into large pieces
  • 4 cloves Garlic, peeled
  • 1 bunch of fresh Parsley
  • 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the beef brisket, beef chuck, veal shank, chicken, and pork sausage in a large pot.
  2. Add the water to the pot, ensuring all the meat is submerged. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  3. As the water begins to boil, skim off any scum that rises to the top.
  4. Once the water is boiling and the scum has been skimmed off, reduce the heat to low.
  5. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot.
  6. Tie the parsley into a bundle with kitchen string and add it to the pot along with the peppercorns and bay leaves.
  7. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 3 hours or until the meats are tender.
  8. Season the broth with salt to taste.
  9. Remove the meats from the pot and slice them into serving pieces.
  10. Strain the broth and reserve for serving.
  11. Serve the meats hot with the strained broth on the side.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - You will need a large pot to cook the meats and vegetables.
  • Kitchen string - Kitchen string is needed to tie the parsley into a bundle.
  • Skimmer - A skimmer will be useful for removing any scum that rises to the top of the pot.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the cooked meats.
  • Cutting board - You will need a cutting board to safely cut the vegetables and meats.
  • Kitchen string - Kitchen string is needed to tie the parsley into a bundle.
  • Strainer - A strainer is necessary for straining the broth before serving.

Recipe variations

  • Use different cuts of meat such as beef short ribs, pork shoulder, or lamb shoulder.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as adding thyme, rosemary, or cloves.
  • Add vegetables like leeks, parsnips, or turnips to the pot for extra flavor.
  • Include sausages of different flavors and varieties, such as spicy Italian sausage or smoked sausage.
  • For a healthier option, substitute some or all of the meats with a variety of root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and radishes.
  • Try using vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.
  • Add a splash of white wine or vinegar to the broth for a tangy twist.
  • Serve the meats and broth with a side of traditional Italian sauces like salsa verde or mostarda.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or breadcrumbs to make meatballs or a bread-based stuffing.
  • Experiment with different cooking methods, such as using a slow cooker or pressure cooker for convenience.

Recipe overview

Bollito Misto is a traditional Italian dish, hailing from the Northern regions of Piedmont and Lombardy. The name itself translates to "Mixed Boil", which perfectly describes the essence of this hearty and flavorful recipe. It involves gently simmering a variety of meats such as beef brisket, beef chuck, veal shank, chicken, and pork sausage, along with a selection of vegetables and herbs. The end result is tenderly cooked meats and a robust broth that can be served on the side. This dish is a labour of love, taking around 3 hours to prepare, but the result is a comforting, warming meal perfect for sharing with family and friends on a cold day. Enjoy the process and the delicious end result!

Common questions

  1. What cuts of meat are typically used in Bollito Misto? The traditional cuts of meat used in Bollito Misto include beef brisket, beef chuck, veal shank, chicken, and pork sausage.
  2. How long does it take to cook Bollito Misto? Bollito Misto typically takes about 3 hours to cook until the meats are tender.
  3. Can I use different vegetables? While the traditional recipe calls for onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, you can certainly experiment with different vegetables according to your preference.
  4. What should I serve with Bollito Misto? Bollito Misto is often served with a variety of sauces, such as salsa verde, horseradish sauce, or mustard. It is also traditionally served with the strained broth as a soup.
  5. Can I make Bollito Misto in advance? Yes, you can make Bollito Misto in advance. After cooking, you can store the meats and broth separately in the refrigerator. Before serving, reheat the meats in the broth.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the meats and vegetables.
  • Kitchen string - Kitchen string is used to tie the parsley into a bundle for easy removal.
  • Skimmer - A skimmer is helpful for removing any scum that rises to the top of the pot.
  • Strainer - A strainer is used to strain the broth before serving.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for slicing the cooked meats into serving pieces.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for safely slicing the meats.
  • Serving platter - A serving platter is used to present the sliced meats for serving.
  • Soup bowls - Soup bowls are ideal for serving the Bollito Misto broth.
  • Soup ladle - A soup ladle makes it easy to portion out and serve the broth.
  • Kitchen string - Kitchen string is used to tie the parsley into a bundle for easy removal.

Origin stories

Bollito Misto, a delectable assortment of boiled meats, traces its origins to the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Steeped in tradition, this hearty dish was typically prepared during winter months, when the chill in the air called for warm, nutritious meals. Interestingly, Bollito Misto was historically a dish of the aristocracy. The nobles would feast on the prime cuts of meat, while the less privileged were given the remaining cuts. Over time, Bollito Misto has evolved into a cherished dish that is relished across all strata of society. Its preparation is often regarded as a culinary event, bringing families together in the spirit of shared cooking and eating.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.