osso buco recipe.

 

🍖 Osso Buco Recipe – Classic Italian Braised Veal Shanks

Osso Buco, which means “bone with a hole” in Italian, is a traditional Milanese dish made by braising veal shanks with vegetables, white wine, and broth until melt-in-your-mouth tender. This comforting Italian classic is finished with a fresh gremolata (lemon zest, garlic, and parsley) and often served with risotto alla Milanese, polenta, or mashed potatoes.

It’s a rich, hearty meal that’s perfect for Sunday dinners or special occasions.

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📝 Ingredients

• 4 veal shanks (about 1 ½ inches thick)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 carrot (chopped)
• 1 celery stalk (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups beef or veal broth
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Gremolata (Optional but Traditional):

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove (minced)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the veal – Pat veal shanks dry, season with salt and pepper, and dredge lightly in flour.
2. Brown the meat – Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven. Sear shanks on all sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables – In the same pot, cook onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened.
4. Deglaze – Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer 2 minutes.
5. Braise – Add crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, thyme, and veal shanks. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 1 ½–2 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
6. Make gremolata – Mix parsley, lemon zest, and garlic. Sprinkle over Osso Buco before serving.
7. Serve – Plate veal shanks with sauce, alongside risotto, mashed potatoes, or polenta.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Traditionally served with Risotto alla Milanese
• With creamy polenta or mashed potatoes
• With crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce
• A glass of Italian red or white wine for pairing

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❓ FAQs about Osso Buco

Q1: Can I make Osso Buco with beef instead of veal?
Yes! Beef shanks are a common substitute, though they take a bit longer to become tender.

Q2: Can I cook Osso Buco in a slow cooker?
Yes. After browning the meat and sautéing vegetables, transfer to a slow cooker and braise on low for 6–7 hours.

Q3: What does Osso Buco taste like?
It’s rich and savory, with tender braised meat in a flavorful tomato-wine sauce. The marrow inside the bone adds depth and richness.

Q4: Can I make Osso Buco ahead of time?
Absolutely! Like many braised dishes, the flavors deepen if made a day ahead and reheated gently.

Q5: Is gremolata necessary?
It’s optional, but the fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon zest cut through the richness and brighten the dish beautifully.

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🌟 Similar Recipes You May Like :

1. Beef Bourguignon – French beef stew with red wine and mushrooms.
2. Coq au Vin – Classic French chicken braised in red wine.
3. Braised Short Ribs – Tender beef slow-cooked in a rich sauce.
4. Lamb Shank Stew – Hearty lamb braised with herbs and vegetables.
5. Risotto alla Milanese – Creamy saffron risotto, the traditional pairing with Osso Buco.