Classic Ossobuco Recipe: A Taste of Italy in Your Kitchen 2024

Hey there, foodies! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of Italian cuisine with a classic dish Ossobuco Recipe. Ossobuco translates to “bone with a hole” in Italian, and it’s all about braised veal shanks that are cooked to tender perfection. The marrow-filled bone in the center is the star of the show, adding richness and depth to the dish and it is pronouced as “oh-so-boo-co”. So what does Ossobuco taste like? well imagine a burst of savory flavors with a hint of citrus from the gremolata (more on that later). The meat becomes incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone, while the sauce develops a heavenly richness.

Ossobuco Recipe: Step by Step

Ingredients:

• 4 veal shanks (about 2 inches thick)
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Gremolata for garnish (mix chopped parsley, garlic, and lemon zest)

Instructions Ossobuco Recipe:

• Prep the Veal Shanks: Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off excess.
• Brown the Veal: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the veal shanks on all sides. This step adds a depth of flavor to your ossobuco.
• Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the veggies are softened and aromatic.
• Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping up those flavorful brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
• Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Nestle the browned veal shanks back into the pot.
• Slow Cook to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 2 hours. You want the veal to become fork-tender.
• Prepare Gremolata: While it simmers, mix chopped parsley, garlic, and lemon zest for a zesty gremolata.
• Serve and Garnish: Plate the ossobuco over a bed of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. Sprinkle the gremolata on top for that final burst of freshness.

• Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ossobuco freezes well too – just thaw and reheat when you’re craving another taste of Italy.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t rush the browning process; it builds layers of flavor.
2. Experiment with different herbs for your gremolata to suit your taste.
3. Try serving ossobuco over risotto or creamy polenta for a truly authentic experience.

Yield, Prep Time and Calories

• Yield: This Ossobuco recipe serves 4 hungry souls.
• Prep Time: Plan for a leisurely cooking experience with a prep time of approximately 20 minutes.
• Calories: On average, expect each serving to be around 400-500 calories.

Yield	Preparation Time	Calories per Serving
4 servings	20 minutes	Approximately 400-500 calories

What to Serve with Ossobuco

• Creamy Polenta: Picture this, tender veal shanks nestled on a bed of velvety, cheesy polenta. The creamy texture of polenta complements the richness of the ossobuco sauce, creating a match made in culinary heaven.
• Mashed Potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes are a timeless choice. Their buttery goodness provides a neutral canvas for the flavors of the ossobuco to shine. Plus, the sauce is a natural partner for those fluffy spuds.
• Risotto Milanese: For an authentic Italian pairing, go for a saffron-infused risotto Milanese. The golden hue and subtle saffron flavor perfectly complement the savory goodness of the braised veal.
• Gremolata-Topped Pasta: If you’re a pasta lover, consider serving ossobuco over a bed of al dente pasta. The gremolata adds a zesty kick, balancing the richness of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: A hunk of crusty bread is a must-have to mop up every last drop of that flavorful sauce. It’s simple, rustic, and an excellent way to savor every bite.
• Roasted Vegetables: Lighten things up with a side of roasted vegetables. The caramelized sweetness of veggies contrasts beautifully with the hearty ossobuco.
• Gremolata-Topped Salad: Create a refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of the same gremolata used to garnish the ossobuco. It adds a burst of freshness to every bite.
• Soft Polenta or Grits: For a Southern twist, try serving ossobuco over soft polenta or grits. The creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the fork-tender veal.

There you have it – a hearty and soul-warming Ossobuco Recipe that’ll have your taste buds dancing the tarantella. Buon appetito!

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