Description
A hearty Italian classic where veal or beef shanks are slow-cooked with vegetables and wine, resulting in tender meat and a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Osso Buco:
- 4 veal or beef shanks (about 1.2 kg)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
For the Gremolata (Optional):
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Shanks:
- Pat the veal or beef shanks dry with paper towels.
- Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge each shank in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Shanks:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
- Sear the shanks for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Transfer the browned shanks to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Pour the vegetable and wine mixture over the shanks in the slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Prepare the Gremolata (Optional):
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
- Mix well and set aside.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the slow cooker.
- Serve the osso buco hot, topped with a sprinkle of gremolata if desired.
- Pair with risotto, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the shanks after cooking and set the slow cooker to high. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes to reduce.
- The gremolata adds a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the rich meat and sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shank with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g