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Osso buco is a traditional Italian dish that consists of braised veal shanks cooked with vegetables, wine, and broth. This hearty dish is known for its rich flavors and tender meat, making it a popular choice for special occasions or a comforting meal.
The key to a successful osso buco is low and slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become incredibly tender. The dish often features the marrow-filled bone, which adds depth and richness to the sauce.
To start, the veal shanks are seasoned with salt and pepper, then seared in a hot pan until browned on all sides. This step helps to develop a caramelized crust on the meat, which enhances the overall flavor. After searing, the shanks are set aside and a mixture of carrots, celery, onions, and garlic is sautéed in the same pan.
Once the vegetables have softened, the shanks are added back to the pan, along with a generous amount of white wine and broth. This combination of liquid helps to create a flavorful braising liquid that will infuse the meat with incredible flavor as it cooks.
The osso buco is then simmered on low heat for several hours, allowing the meat to become tender and the sauce to thicken. The result is a delicious and succulent dish that is perfect served over creamy polenta or risotto.
What is osso buco?
Osso buco is a classic Italian dish that originated in Milan. It is traditionally made with cross-cut slices of veal shanks that are braised with vegetables, white wine, and broth. The dish gets its name from the Italian words “osso” meaning bone and “buco” meaning hole, referring to the marrow-filled bone in the center of the veal shank.
Osso buco is known for its rich and tender meat, as well as its flavorful sauce. The slow cooking process allows the collagen in the veal shanks to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The sauce is made from the braising liquid, which is thickened and enriched with the natural gelatin from the shanks. It is usually served with gremolata, a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley, which adds a fresh and bright flavor to the dish.
While veal shanks are the traditional choice for osso buco, other meats can be used as well, such as beef or pork. The dish can also be made with lamb shanks, which will give it a slightly different flavor. Osso buco is typically served with risotto alla Milanese, a creamy saffron-infused risotto, but it can also be enjoyed with polenta or mashed potatoes.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| – Veal shanks | – Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper. |
| – Onion, carrot, and celery | – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. |
| – Garlic | – Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pot and cook until softened. |
| – White wine and beef broth | – Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. |
| – Tomato paste and bay leaf | – Add the white wine and cook until reduced by half. |
| – Flour | – Stir in the tomato paste and bay leaf. |
| – Olive oil | – Dredge the veal shanks in flour and shake off any excess. |
| – Salt and pepper | – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. |
| – Gremolata (lemon zest, garlic, and parsley) | – Add the veal shanks to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. |
| – Lemon zest, garlic, and parsley | – Transfer the veal shanks to the pot with the braising liquid. |
| – Cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the veal is tender. | |
| – Serve osso buco with the braising liquid and gremolata. |
Osso buco is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a hearty weeknight dinner. Its rich flavors and tender meat make it a standout dish in Italian cuisine.
The history of osso buco
Osso buco is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the city of Milan. The name “osso buco” translates to “bone with a hole” in Italian, which refers to the marrow-filled bone that is central to this dish.
The exact origin of osso buco is uncertain, but it is believed to have been created in the late 19th century. It is often attributed to the influential Italian writer and gastronome, Pellegrino Artusi. His famous cookbook, “Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well,” published in 1891, includes a recipe for osso buco.
Osso buco quickly gained popularity and became a staple dish in Milanese cuisine. It is traditionally made using veal shanks, which are slowly braised with vegetables, herbs, and wine. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and flavorful, while the bone marrow adds richness to the dish.
Over time, osso buco spread beyond Milan and became a beloved dish throughout Italy. It is now enjoyed in many different variations, with some regional variations using different types of meat or adding additional ingredients.
Today, osso buco is considered a classic Italian dish and is often served with Risotto alla Milanese, a saffron-infused risotto. It remains a favorite among both locals and visitors to Italy, showcasing the rich history and tradition of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
For making osso buco, the following ingredients are needed:
1. Veal Shanks: 4 veal shanks, each around 2 inches thick
2. Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging the veal shanks
3. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing the veal shanks
4. Onion: 1 large onion, chopped
5. Carrot: 1 large carrot, chopped
6. Celery: 2 stalks of celery, chopped
7. Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced
8. Tomatoes: 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
9. Beef Broth: 1 cup beef broth
10. White Wine: 1 cup dry white wine
11. Bay Leaves: 2 bay leaves
12. Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
13. Lemon Peel: 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
14. Salt and Pepper: salt and pepper to taste
15. Gremolata: 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel, 1 clove garlic (minced), and 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish
Note: Additional salt and pepper may be needed according to taste.
Key ingredients for osso buco
Osso buco is a traditional Italian dish that is known for its rich and hearty flavors. The key ingredients for making osso buco include:
Veal shanks:
The main ingredient in osso buco is veal shanks, which are cross-cut sections of the calf’s leg. The bone marrow in the shanks adds depth to the dish, while the meat becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Vegetables:
Common vegetables used in osso buco include onions, carrots, and celery. These vegetables provide a base of flavors and add a nice texture to the dish.
Osso Buco
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Tomatoes:
Tomatoes are a key ingredient in osso buco, adding acidity and sweetness to balance out the richness of the meat. Fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes can be used, depending on your preference.
White wine:
White wine is often used to deglaze the pan and add a bright and flavorful note to the dish. You can use a dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Stock:
A rich and flavorful stock is essential for braising the veal shanks. Beef or veal stock is commonly used, but you can also use chicken or vegetable stock if you prefer.
Herbs and spices:
Aromatic herbs and spices such as bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and garlic are commonly used to flavor osso buco. These ingredients add complexity and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
By using these key ingredients, you can create a delicious and authentic osso buco that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Optional ingredients for osso buco
While the traditional osso buco recipe calls for a few key ingredients, there are also some optional ingredients that you can add to enhance the flavor of your dish. Here are some suggestions:
- Red wine: Adding a splash of red wine can add depth and richness to the sauce.
- Anchovies: Some recipes call for anchovies, which can add a subtle umami flavor to the dish.
- Tomato paste: Adding a spoonful of tomato paste can give the sauce a richer, more robust flavor.
- Dried porcini mushrooms: Soaking dried porcini mushrooms in warm water and adding them to the dish can add a earthy, meaty flavor.
- Orange zest: Adding a bit of orange zest to the sauce can add a bright, citrusy note.
- Gremolata: This traditional garnish made with lemon zest, garlic, and parsley adds a fresh, zesty flavor.
Remember, these ingredients are optional, so feel free to experiment and adjust the flavors to suit your taste. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process of cooking osso buco!
Preparation
Before you start cooking osso buco, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and tools on hand. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare:
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces of veal shanks, about 2 inches thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools:
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Plate or shallow dish
Once you have gathered all the ingredients and tools, you can move on to the next steps of cooking osso buco.
FAQ
What is osso buco?
Osso buco is a traditional Italian dish consisting of braised veal shanks cooked with vegetables, white wine, and broth. It is typically served with a gremolata and a side of risotto.
What are the key ingredients for osso buco?
The key ingredients for osso buco are veal shanks, vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onion), white wine, beef or veal broth, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs (such as thyme and bay leaves).
How do I prepare veal shanks for osso buco?
To prepare veal shanks for osso buco, you can start by tying each shank around its circumference with kitchen twine. Then, season the shanks with salt and pepper before searing them in a hot skillet with olive oil. This will help develop a nice crust and enhance the flavor.
What is gremolata and how is it made?
Gremolata is a condiment that is typically sprinkled over the osso buco before serving to add a fresh and vibrant flavor. It is made by combining minced garlic, lemon zest, and finely chopped parsley. Some variations may include anchovies or capers for an extra kick.
What is the best way to serve osso buco?
The best way to serve osso buco is to place the braised veal shanks on a plate and spoon the sauce and vegetables over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of gremolata and serve it alongside a creamy risotto for a complete and delicious meal.
What is osso buco?
Osso buco is a traditional Italian dish made with braised veal shanks. The name “osso buco” translates to “bone with a hole” in Italian, referring to the marrow-filled bone in the center of the veal shank. It is typically cooked slowly in a flavorful sauce until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.