Osso Buco: Braised Veal Shanks with Gremolata
Craving melt-in-your-mouth veal shank? My Osso Buco recipe, slow-cooked to perfection, delivers ultimate comfort. Gremolata is key! Get the recipe now. ... Comfort Food Classics
Alright, let's dive headfirst into this culinary hug in a bowl!
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever craved something ridiculously comforting? this veal shank recipe is your answer. it's the ultimate osso buco recipe , packed with savoury depth.
Honestly, the slow cooked osso bucco recipe is the way to go!
Brief Overview
Osso buco recipe , meaning "bone with a hole" in italian, hails from milan. it’s peasant food that became posh.
This beef osso bucco recipe oven version is medium-difficulty, taking about 3. 5 hours from start to finish and feeds 4 hungry souls.
Main Benefits
The marrow! The marrow, people! This Osso Bucco with Polenta is a collagen-boosting powerhouse. Serve it on a chilly evening. Seriously, the depth of flavour makes this Osso Bucco recipe special.
Ready? Let's get those ingredients ready.
Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need for this incredible dish! Honestly, it’s simpler than you think.
Osso Buco: Braised Veal Shanks with Gremolata Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients for Osso Buco Recipe
We're talking about a star ingredient: veal shank . get 4 pieces that are around 1 ½ - 2 inches thick.
That should be about 800g - 1kg in total. quality matters! look for a nice, even color. not too pale, not too dark, you know?
Then we have some olive oil for searing, about 2 tablespoons (30ml) . plus, you'll need ½ cup (60g) of all-purpose flour for dusting the veal.
Salt and pepper are crucial, so have them ready to go! you'll also need 1 large onion (around 150g ), chopped, 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks (about 100g each), peeled and chopped.
Don’t forget the garlic: 4 cloves , minced.
For the braising liquid, grab 1 cup (240ml) of dry white wine (nothing too fancy). a 14.5 ounce (400g) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
Finally, 4 cups (960ml) of low-sodium beef (or chicken) broth. a couple of bay leaves and sprigs of rosemary and thyme.
Seasoning Notes for our Slow Cooked Osso Bucco Recipe
Forget boring! bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme create warmth. garlic packs a punch. deglazing the pan with white wine adds a lovely depth.
To spice things up, a little orange zest or red pepper flakes can be added. it's all about personalizing it.
No bay leaves? Dried thyme or oregano work too!
Equipment Needed
Don't stress. you'll need a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid for the beef osso bucco recipe oven .
Also cutting board, a chef’s knife, measuring cups and spoons, and a small bowl for the gremolata.
If you don’t have a fancy Dutch oven, a regular stockpot works in a pinch. Just make sure it has a lid. Healthy Cooare is usually cast iron.
I remember one time, I tried making Osso Bucco With Polenta in a flimsy pot. Big mistake! It stuck and burned. So, trust me, use something sturdy.
This Osso Buco Recipe is worth it, trust me. It’s great served with Risotto Alla Milanese
So, there you have it! Gather your stuff and let's get cooking! It is also possible to do an Instant Pot Osso Bucco
Alright, let's get this osso buco party started! honestly, there's nothing quite like a slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth veal shank to warm you up on a chilly evening.
This slow cooked osso bucco recipe is a total classic, and i promise it's way easier than it sounds. so, grab your apron, and let's get cooking.
Getting Ready to Braise like a Boss
Mise en Place: Your Secret Weapon
Right, before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our ducks in a row. this means chopping your onion , carrots , and celery (we're going for a mirepoix here, folks) and mincing that garlic.
Weigh out your flour. measure out your wine. i always prep my gremolata too. this saves so much time later.
Honestly, i hate cooking with pre-chopped vegetables. you know?
Pro Tip: Organization is Key
Honestly, a little bit of prep goes a long way. chop all your veggies before starting. measure out your liquids.
Doing all of this first makes the process way smoother. it will save you from scrambling around while your ingredients burn!
Step-by-Step: From Shank to Sensation
Sear the Veal Like You Mean It
First, pat those veal shank pieces dry. season generously with salt and pepper. then, lightly dredge them in flour. get your healthy cooare nice and hot with olive oil.
Sear those shanks on all sides until they're golden brown. this usually takes about 3- 4 minutes per side.
Take them out when done.
Sauté the Veggies
Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. cook them until they soften and brown slightly. this normally takes 8- 10 minutes or so.
Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute. you'll know it's ready when you smell that amazing aroma.
Braise to Perfection
Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine . scrape up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. bring to a simmer, and then add back the seared veal shanks.
Reduce the heat to low. cover, and let that baby simmer for 2.5- 3 hours or until the veal shank is super tender.
Trust me, patience is key here!
Gremolata Magic
While the Osso Buco simmers, mix together your chopped parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest for that gremolata. This zesty topping is an absolute game-changer.
Serve with Style
Serve the Osso Bucco With Polenta or maybe even with some Risotto Alla Milanese, top with a generous spoonful of gremolata.
Pro Tips for Osso Buco Awesomeness
Browning is Paramount
Searing the veal shank properly is non-negotiable. It locks in flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
Don't Rush the Braise
Give those shanks the time they need to become fall-off-the-bone tender. Trust me, it's worth the wait.
Instant Pot Osso Bucco?
If you're short on time, an Instant Pot Osso Bucco version can work. Just reduce the cooking time significantly. The end result won't be quite the same, but it's still tasty.
So there you have it, folks! my take on a classic osso buco recipe . don't be scared to give it a go.
With a bit of patience and love, you'll be rewarded with a truly unforgettable meal. and hey, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try a vegetarian osso bucco using hearty mushrooms? happy cooking.
Alright, let's chat about some extra bits to make your osso buco absolutely banging! honestly, these are the things i've learned along the way, you know? stuff that takes it from "good" to "oh my gosh, that's amazing!".
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Power!
Okay, so you've got this amazing veal shank , right? don't just slap it on a plate! presentation matters. i love serving osso bucco with polenta , especially risotto alla milanese .
It's a classic for a reason!. think rustic charm: a generous spoonful of creamy polenta, a veal shank nestled on top, and then a showering of that bright gremolata.
Serve with crusty bread for soaking up all that luscious sauce. for drinks, a nice bottle of italian red – maybe a chianti – really hits the spot.
And listen, don't forget a simple green salad for a bit of freshness!.
Storage Tips: Save It for Later, Mate!
Right, so what if you have leftovers? no worries! once cooled, pop the veal shank and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate.
It'll happily sit there for 3-4 days. for longer storage, you can freeze it, though the texture of the polenta might change a bit.
Reheating is easy: gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, or you can even use the microwave if you're in a rush.
Just make sure it's heated through properly!. i swear, sometimes it tastes even better the next day!
Variations: Get Creative, You Know?
Fancy a little tweak? i get it! if you're after a lighter bite or a vegetarian osso bucco , swap the veal shank for big portobello mushrooms.
Seriously, they soak up all the flavors beautifully. and for a winter warmer, try using seasonal root vegetables like parsnips and swede in the braise.
Or you could even knock it up in the instant pot osso bucco for a speedier dinner when you are in a hurry.
It is good even with beef osso bucco recipe oven , as long as you keep up with the steps.
And listen, for a gluten-free version, just swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative. easy peasy!.
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
Alright, so i'm not a nutritionist, but let's keep it real. this slow cooked osso bucco recipe is packed with protein from the veal, which is great for muscle building.
You also get a dose of vitamins from the veggies. but honestly, it's not exactly a "diet" dish. treat yourself, you deserve it! just be mindful of portion sizes and balance it with a healthy side salad.
Okay, that's all from me for now!. with healthy cooare , you're all set to create a veal shank masterpiece!.
Honestly, don't be intimidated. give it a go, have fun with it, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on it.
You got this!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Osso Buco, anyway? It sounds a bit posh!
Osso Buco, literally "bone with a hole" in Italian, is a classic dish featuring braised veal shanks. The "hole" refers to the marrow-filled bone, which is the real star of the show. Think of it like a culinary hug – comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying, a bit like a Sunday roast, but Italian!
Why is it important to sear the veal shank before braising? Can I skip this step?
Searing the veal shank isn't just for show; it's crucial for developing deep, rich flavors through the Maillard reaction. This process creates complex compounds that enhance the overall taste of the dish. While you could technically skip it, you'd be missing out on a significant layer of deliciousness - think of it like making gravy without browning the meat first; it just wouldn't be the same.
Can I use a different cut of meat if I can't find veal shank?
While veal shank is traditional, you can try using beef shanks as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different – think of it like swapping out a mild cheddar for a strong stilton. Beef shanks may require a longer braising time to achieve the same tenderness. Lamb shanks can also be used, but be aware that the flavor profile will be distinct, more robust and gamey.
How do I store leftover Osso Buco with veal shank? And how long will it last?
Leftover Osso Buco is fantastic the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, ensuring it's heated through. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
What's the best way to get the marrow out of the bone? I always struggle with this!
Ah, the marrow – the chef's treat! The easiest way is to use a thin, long spoon (like a grapefruit spoon) to scoop it out after braising when it's soft. Some people enjoy tapping the bone firmly on a cutting board to dislodge it. Serve it directly on the Osso Buco or spread it on crusty bread – it's pure indulgence! Remember to be careful not to break the bone while extracting the marrow.
Is Osso Buco with veal shank a healthy dish? What are the nutritional considerations?
Osso Buco can be part of a balanced diet, but it's relatively high in fat and calories due to the veal and the braising process. Veal is a good source of protein and certain vitamins and minerals. To lighten it up, skim excess fat from the sauce before serving and pair it with a healthy side like steamed vegetables. Be mindful of portion sizes, just like you would with a cheeky portion of fish and chips!
