Introduction
Osso Buco is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made with veal shanks, which are slowly braised in a tomato-based sauce until they are tender and flavorful. The dish is typically served over a bed of creamy risotto, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will share with you our favorite Osso Buco recipe, along with all the tips and tricks you need to make it perfectly every time.
Ingredients Needed to Make Osso Buco Recipe
Before you start making Osso Buco, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is what you will need:
- 4 veal shanks, about 1 1/2 inches thick
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Marinade Osso Buco Recipe
Marinating the veal shanks before cooking will help to infuse them with flavor and make them more tender. Here is what you will need for the marinade:
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Kitchen Tools Needed Osso Buco Recipe
To make Osso Buco, you will need a few basic kitchen tools:
- A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- A sharp knife
- A wooden spoon
- A cutting board
How to Make Osso Buco Recipe
Now that you have all the ingredients and tools you need, it's time to start cooking!
- First, make the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the red wine, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the veal shanks to the marinade, making sure they are completely covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
- When you are ready to cook the Osso Buco, remove the veal shanks from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade for later.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper, then coat them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the veal shanks and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the shanks from the pot and set aside.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the reserved marinade to the pot, along with the white wine, beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
- Return the veal shanks to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake the Osso Buco for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- To serve, place a veal shank on each plate, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
How to Cook Osso Buco Recipe
Osso Buco can be cooked on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker. The key is to cook it low and slow, so that the meat becomes tender and flavorful. Here are three different methods for cooking Osso Buco:
Stovetop:
To cook Osso Buco on the stovetop, follow the recipe above, but instead of transferring the pot to the oven, cover it with a tight-fitting lid and simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Oven:
To cook Osso Buco in the oven, follow the recipe above, but instead of simmering on the stovetop, transfer the pot to a preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Slow Cooker:
To cook Osso Buco in a slow cooker, follow the recipe above, but instead of using a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Osso Buco?
Osso Buco is a traditional Italian dish that is made with veal shanks that have been slowly braised in a tomato-based sauce until they are tender and flavorful.
2. What does "Osso Buco" mean?
"Osso Buco" is Italian for "bone with a hole". It refers to the bone marrow in the veal shank, which is one of the highlights of the dish.
3. Can I use beef instead of veal?
Yes, you can use beef shanks instead of veal shanks. However, keep in mind that the dish will have a slightly different flavor and texture.
4. Can I make Osso Buco in advance?
Yes, Osso Buco can be made in advance and reheated before serving. In fact, many people believe that the flavors of the dish improve when it is reheated.
5. What is the best wine to use in Osso Buco?
Dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, is typically used in Osso Buco. However, you can also use red wine if you prefer.
6. What is the best side dish to serve with Osso Buco?
Osso Buco is typically served over a bed of creamy risotto, which helps to soak up the delicious sauce. However, you can also serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
7. Can Osso Buco be frozen?
Yes, Osso Buco can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze.
8. What is the best way to reheat Osso Buco?
The best way to reheat Osso Buco is to do so slowly, either on the stovetop or in the oven. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of beef broth or water to the pot to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
9. Can I use chicken instead of veal?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or legs instead of veal shanks. However, keep in mind that the dish will have a different flavor and texture.
10. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
11. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh. Just be sure to use a good quality brand.
12. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use a