Osso Buco

Ingredients:
- 4 veal shanks, about 1 1/2 inches thick
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Gremolata: 1 lemon (zested), 1 garlic clove (minced), and 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Veal Shanks: Season the veal shanks generously with salt and pepper. Lightly coat them in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Brown the Shanks: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the veal shanks and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the shanks and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the white wine and cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine reduce slightly.
- Simmer the Shanks: Return the veal shanks to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Make the Gremolata: While the osso buco is cooking, prepare the gremolata by combining lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl.
- Serve: Once the osso buco is ready, remove the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Serve the veal shanks over a bed of risotto or polenta, spooning the rich sauce over the top. Garnish with gremolata for added flavor.
Notes:
For a richer flavor, cook the osso buco a day ahead, let it cool, and reheat the next day. The flavors will meld beautifully.
About This Dish:
Osso Buco is a classic Italian dish made with braised veal shanks. The meat becomes incredibly tender, and the marrow inside the bone adds a rich, unctuous flavor to the dish.
Nutritional Information:
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 620 kcal |
Fat | 35g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Protein | 55g |
User Reviews:
John D.: "This is hands down the best osso buco recipe I've ever tried. The meat was so tender, and the gremolata added a fresh pop of flavor!"
Sophia L.: "A family favorite! I served it with creamy polenta, and it was perfection. Will definitely make again."