Traditional Osso Buco: A Hearty and Elegant Italian Classic

Osso Buco, which translates to "bone with a hole," is a traditional Italian dish made with braised veal shanks. This dish is known for its rich, hearty flavor and tender meat that falls off the bone. Traditionally served with a vibrant gremolata and often paired with risotto or polenta, Osso Buco is a perfect dish for special occasions or a comforting family meal. In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through making Traditional Osso Buco, providing tips for achieving the best results and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Benefits:

1. Rich and Flavorful: The slow braising process infuses the meat with deep, savory flavors.
2. Tender and Juicy: Veal shanks become incredibly tender and juicy after being braised.
3. Elegant: This dish is perfect for special occasions and will impress your guests.
4. Traditional: Experience authentic Italian cuisine with this classic recipe.

Ingredients

For the Osso Buco:

• 4 veal shanks, about 1 1/2 inches thick
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups beef or veal broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Zest of 1 lemon (for gremolata)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for gremolata)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (for gremolata)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Veal Shanks

1. Season and Dredge: Pat the veal shanks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge the shanks in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Heat Olive Oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the Shanks: Add the veal shanks to the pot and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the shanks from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook the Onion, Carrots, and Celery: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and Braise

1. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
2. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Stir in the beef or veal broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Mix well to combine.
3. Return the Shanks: Return the browned veal shanks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the shanks. Add more broth if needed.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Turn the shanks halfway through cooking to ensure even braising.

Step 4: Prepare the Gremolata

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Mix well to combine.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the Osso Buco: Carefully transfer the veal shanks to serving plates.
2. Spoon the Sauce: Spoon the braising liquid and vegetables over the shanks.
3. Garnish with Gremolata: Sprinkle the gremolata over the top for a burst of fresh flavor.
4. Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Perfect Osso Buco

1. Choose Quality Veal Shanks

• Thickness: Look for veal shanks that are about 1.5 inches thick for even cooking and tender meat.
• Bone Marrow: Ensure the shanks have a good amount of bone marrow, which adds richness to the dish.

2. Brown the Meat Well

• Flavor Development: Browning the veal shanks before braising adds depth of flavor to the dish.

3. Slow and Low Braising

• Tender Meat: Cooking the shanks slowly at a low temperature ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful.

Customizing Your Osso Buco

Variations:

• Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the braising liquid for added aroma and flavor.
• Vegetables: Include other vegetables like mushrooms or fennel for added texture and flavor.

Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the veal shanks.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Risotto: Serve Osso Buco with creamy risotto alla Milanese for a traditional pairing.
• Polenta: Creamy polenta is another excellent side that complements the rich sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.
• Pasta: Tagliatelle or pappardelle pasta are great options to soak up the delicious sauce.

Drinks:

• Red Wine: A robust red wine like Barolo or Chianti pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of Osso Buco.
• White Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio is also a good match.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water and a slice of lemon.

Dessert:

• Tiramisu: Finish the meal with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu.
• Panna Cotta: A light and creamy panna cotta makes a perfect ending to the meal.

Storing and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Osso Buco in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze Osso Buco in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat Osso Buco in a pot over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave, covered, until hot.

Conclusion

Traditional Osso Buco is a rich and elegant dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. With tender, braised veal shanks in a savory tomato and wine sauce, topped with a vibrant gremolata, this dish is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a comforting family meal, Osso Buco is a timeless classic that everyone will love. Enjoy!

Did you try this recipe? Share your experience and any customizations you made in the comments below!