Osso Buco
Description
This classic Italian dish features cross-cut veal shanks slowly braised in white wine and beef broth until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone. The rich, savory sauce is enhanced by a soffritto of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. A fresh gremolata of parsley, lemon zest, and garlic adds a bright, aromatic finish that cuts through the richness. Perfect for a special dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, osso buco delivers deep, complex flavors and a luxurious texture. Serve with polenta or risotto for a complete gourmet experience.Directions
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
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In a heavy skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Brown the veal shanks on all sides, adding more butter and oil if necessary, then transfer them to a platter.
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Pour the white wine into the skillet and boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, until reduced to about half a cup. Reserve this mixture.
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In a flameproof casserole dish large enough to hold the veal shanks in a single layer, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
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Add the onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the casserole and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
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Place the browned veal shanks and any accumulated juices into the casserole on top of the vegetables.
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Pour the reserved wine mixture and enough beef broth over the shanks to almost cover them.
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Spread the chopped tomatoes over the shanks, then add the bouquet garni and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Bring the liquid to a simmer over moderately high heat on the stovetop.
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Cover the casserole and braise in the preheated oven for 2 hours, or until the veal is tender.
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Using a slotted spoon, transfer the veal shanks to an ovenproof serving dish. Discard the bouquet garni strings and keep the shanks warm.
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Strain the pan juices into a saucepan, pressing hard on the solids to extract all flavor. Skim off any fat from the surface.
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Boil the strained juices for about 15 minutes, or until reduced to about 3 cups.
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Baste the veal shanks with some of the reduced juices and bake for 10 minutes, basting 3 or 4 more times during baking, until the shanks are glazed.
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In a small bowl, stir together the minced parsley, lemon zest, and minced garlic to make the gremolata.
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Sprinkle the gremolata over the shanks and pour some of the reduced juice around and over them.
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Serve the shanks immediately, with the remaining juices in a separate boat for basting.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 342kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12.0g19%
- Saturated Fat 4.4g23%
- Cholesterol 162.0mg54%
- Sodium 976mg41%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 54.0g108%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.