Osso Buco Recipe
Pinklady
Osso Buco hails from the Lombardy region of Italy, specifically Milan, where it’s been enjoyed for centuries as a classic cold-weather dish. Originally, it was made using only white wine, but over time, the addition of tomatoes became more common.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 5
Calories 520 kcal
For the Osso Buco:
- 4 veal shanks (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Gremolata (optional garnish):
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
Prepare the Veal ShanksDredge in Flour: Lightly season the veal shanks with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off the excess. This will help create a crispy crust. Sear the Shanks: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the veal shanks, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Once seared, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Build the Flavor BaseCook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they’re soft, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Deglaze and Add LiquidAdd White Wine: Pour the white wine into the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Once the wine has reduced, add in the broth, crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir to combine.
Braise the VealReturn the Shanks: Place the veal shanks back into the skillet or Dutch oven, submerging them in the sauce. Simmer and Cover: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 2 hours. The veal should be fork-tender and the sauce rich and thick.
Make the Gremolata (Optional)While the Osso Buco is cooking, prepare the gremolata by mixing the chopped parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Serve and GarnishPlate the Osso Buco: Serve each veal shank with a generous spoonful of sauce. Garnish with Gremolata: Sprinkle a bit of gremolata on top of each serving for a burst of fresh flavor.