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.
Table of Contents
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
- Don’t rush the browning process; it builds layers of flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs for your gremolata to suit your taste.
- 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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