Osso Buco Recipe: A Classic Italian Dish You'll Love

Introduction

Osso Buco is a classic Italian dish that features tender, slow-cooked beef shanks in a savory tomato broth. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests. The dish is traditionally served with gremolata, a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley, and risotto.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

• 4 beef shanks, 1 inch thick
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup canned tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Season the beef shanks with salt and pepper. Coat them in flour, shaking off any excess.

3. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef shanks on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove them from the pot and set them aside.

4. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

5. Add the beef broth, canned tomatoes, white wine, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

6. Return the beef shanks to the pot, nestling them into the liquid.

7. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and falling off the bone.

8. Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Skim off any fat from the surface of the liquid, if necessary.

9. Serve the Osso Buco with gremolata and risotto, if desired.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the beef shanks with large portobello mushrooms. Follow the recipe as written, but reduce the cooking time to 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Slow-Cooker: Follow steps 1-4, then transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
• Instant Pot: Follow steps 1-4, then transfer the ingredients to an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure manually.

Conclusion

Osso Buco is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to prepare and will transport you to Italy with its savory flavors and tender beef shanks. Serve it with gremolata and risotto for a complete meal that will impress your guests.

FAQ

What is Osso Buco?

Osso Buco is a traditional Italian dish made from veal shanks that are braised with vegetables, white wine, and broth until they are tender and falling off the bone.

What cut of meat is used for Osso Buco?

Osso Buco is made from veal shanks, which are cross-cut sections of the leg bone that contain meat, marrow, and connective tissue.

Can I use beef instead of veal for Osso Buco?

While traditional Osso Buco is made with veal shanks, you can use beef shanks instead. However, beef shanks are larger and may require longer cooking times.

How do I know when the Osso Buco is done?

The Osso Buco is done when the meat is tender and falling off the bone. This can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the shanks and the heat of your stove.

What should I serve with Osso Buco?

Osso Buco is traditionally served with risotto alla Milanese, which is a saffron-flavored rice dish. You can also serve it with polenta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Can I make Osso Buco in advance?

Yes, you can make Osso Buco in advance and reheat it when you are ready to serve. In fact, many people believe that Osso Buco tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together.

What is gremolata?

Gremolata is a condiment made from lemon zest, garlic, and parsley that is sprinkled over the Osso Buco just before serving. It adds a fresh, bright flavor to the rich, meaty dish.

Can I freeze Osso Buco?

Yes, you can freeze Osso Buco for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in a pot on the stove.

Can I make Osso Buco in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Osso Buco in a slow cooker. Brown the shanks in a pan on the stove, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

What wine should I use for Osso Buco?

Traditionally, Osso Buco is made with dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. However, you can also use red wine, such as Chianti or Barbera, if you prefer a richer flavor.