Name: Osso Buco
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 veal shanks, about 2 inches thick; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely diced; 2 carrots, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup dry white wine; 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes; 2 cups beef or chicken broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 1 bay leaf

Introduction

Osso Buco is a traditional Italian dish that originated in Milan. It is a hearty and delicious meal made with tender veal shanks braised in a flavorful sauce. The name “Osso Buco” translates to “bone with a hole,” referring to the marrow-filled bone in the center of the veal shank. This dish is known for its rich and complex flavors, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

To make Osso Buco, you will need the following ingredients:

– 4 veal shanks, about 2 inches thick

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 4 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 onion, finely diced

– 2 carrots, finely diced

– 2 celery stalks, finely diced

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup dry white wine

– 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes

– 2 cups beef or chicken broth

– 1 tablespoon tomato paste

– 2 sprigs fresh thyme

– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

– 1 bay leaf

Steps

Follow these steps to make Osso Buco:

1. Prepare the Veal Shanks

Trim any excess fat from the veal shanks. Season the shanks with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.

2. Brown the Veal Shanks

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the veal shanks and brown them on all sides until they develop a golden crust. Remove the shanks from the pot and set them aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and fragrant.

4. Deglaze with Wine

Pour the dry white wine into the pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.

5. Add Tomatoes and Broth

Add the diced tomatoes, beef or chicken broth, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.

6. Braise the Veal Shanks

Return the veal shanks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Add the fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the veal is tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone.

Variations

While the traditional Osso Buco recipe calls for veal shanks, you can also make delicious variations using other meats. Substitute the veal shanks with beef or pork shanks for a heartier flavor. You can also try using lamb shanks for a more robust and gamey taste.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Osso Buco:

– Use thick veal shanks to ensure they stay tender during the long cooking process.

– Make sure to brown the meat well before braising to develop deep flavors.

– Use quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and good-quality canned tomatoes, for the best results.

– Serve Osso Buco with traditional accompaniments like risotto alla Milanese or creamy polenta.

Conclusion

Osso Buco is a classic Italian dish that brings together tender braised veal shanks and a flavorful sauce. With its rich and complex flavors, it is a favorite among food lovers. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or venture into different variations, Osso Buco is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

FAQs

What is the traditional accompaniment for Osso Buco?

The traditional accompaniment for Osso Buco is risotto alla Milanese, a creamy saffron-infused rice dish. However, you can also serve it with polenta or mashed potatoes.

Can I make Osso Buco in advance?

Yes, Osso Buco tastes even better when made in advance. The flavors have time to meld together, resulting in a more delicious dish. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.

Can I freeze Osso Buco?

Yes, Osso Buco freezes well. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Osso Buco

Introduction

Ingredients