This Osso Buco recipe is a classic Italian comforting recipe combining rich flavours and melt-in-your-mouth meat. Osso Buco’ means ‘bone with a hole’ and refers to the marrow-filled bone at the centre of the veal shanks, which is one of the main components of the dish. Sear the veal, then slow-braise it with a mélange of aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, celery and garlic, along with white wine, broth, and tomatoes, creating a deep, savoury sauce that infuses the meat with incredible flavour.
An Osso Buco Recipe calls for gremolata — a fresh mix of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley — to be stirred in just before serving, adding a burst of brightness that counterbalances the dish’s rich, slow-cooked flavours. Usually plated alongside risotto alla Milanese or gnocchi alla Romana, the dish provides a decadent and filling dish great for a special occasion or a family dinner on a cold night. You cook the meat, and it becomes tender during the slow process, falling off the bone and into a luscious sauce, making it an unforgettable dish full of Italian tradition.
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Origins of Osso Buco Recipe
Osso Buco is a traditional dish from the Lombardy region in northern Italy, most notably Milan. Osso buco means “bone with a hole” in Italian, so named for the marrow-filled bone at the centre of the veal shank, a defining attribute of the dish. Traditionally, Osso Buco was made with less expensive cuts of meat, so it was a meal affordable for the masses.
Gradually, it gained more popularity and turned into a main course in Italian cuisine, most notably for special occasions and family dinners. The slow-braising method makes the meat tender and infused with flavour, and Osso Buco has become a favourite for many as a comfort food — while presented beautifully.
Keys for a Perfect Osso Buco Recipe
To make a perfect Osso Buco Recipe, there are a few key steps to follow:
- Choosing the Right Meat: Veal shanks are traditionally used, but you can also use beef shanks. Ensure the shanks have a generous amount of marrow in the center.
- Browning the Meat: Searing the veal shanks in a hot pan before braising locks in the flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized crust.
- Layering Flavors: Use aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery as the base for the braising liquid. Adding garlic, tomatoes, white wine, and broth enhances the depth of the sauce.
- Slow-Braising: The slow cooking method is key. Braise the shanks at a low temperature for a few hours to allow the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Gremolata: A traditional gremolata made with lemon zest, garlic, and parsley is sprinkled over the dish before serving to add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the braised meat.
Why Homemade Osso Buco Recipe is a Great Idea
When you prepare Osso Buco at home, you control the process and ensure the freshest, most flavorful dish possible. When you do it yourself, you can control the quality of ingredients — organic veal, seasonal vegetables — or make it exactly to your liking. Osso Buco, made at home, also gives you the opportunity to tweak flavours to your specifications, whether that means a slightly more decadent sauce or a more piquant gremolata topping.
Plus, only at home can you luxuriate in the slow-cooked smells that waft around your kitchen, transforming the whole affair into a multisensory experience. It may require a few hours to cook, but the hands-off nature of braising makes it a meal that doesn’t need to be tended to constantly, making it an ideal dinner for an evening spent cosy with family or friends.
Health Benefits of Osso Buco Recipe
Although Osso Buco is a rich and indulgent dish, it does offer some nutritional benefits, particularly from its main ingredients. Here’s a table summarizing the health benefits:
| Ingredient | Nutritional Benefit |
|---|---|
| Veal Shank | High in protein and rich in iron, which is important for muscle and blood health. |
| Tomatoes | Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and skin protection. |
| Garlic | Known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Olive Oil | Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that help reduce bad cholesterol levels. |
| Gremolata (Lemon Zest) | Adds vitamin C, which supports immune function and enhances iron absorption from the veal. |
Despite its richness, Osso Buco can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation, offering a good amount of protein and essential nutrients.
Osso Buco Recipe From OoohDelish!
Osso Buco Recipe
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl (for gremolata)
- Tongs (for searing the veal shanks)
Ingredients
- 4 veal shanks bone-in
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups beef or veal broth
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon for gremolata
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Season veal shanks with salt and pepper, and brown them in the hot oil on all sides. Trim the shanks and set them aside.
- To the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Add in the white wine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to deglaze the pot, scraping up any of the burnt bits from the pot and bottom.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, thyme and bay leaf. Add the veal shanks back to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cover, and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until meat is falling off the bone.
- To make the gremolata, You’ll want to combine the chopped parsley and lemon zest in a small bowl.
- When the osso buco is finished cooking, remove the shanks and discard the bay leaf. Serve the veal shanks with sauce and garnished with gremolata.
Notes
The gremolata (parsley and lemon zest) is essential for adding brightness to the rich dish.
Osso Buco can be prepared a day in advance, and the flavors will deepen after resting overnight in the fridge.
For a healthier option, serve with a cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes for a lower-carb alternative.
Italian Salad and Osso Buco Recipe
Osso Buco’s recipe balances the rich flavours with a light Italian salad. The acidity and crispness of an Italian salad — made with ingredients like arugula, mixed greens, and a light vinaigrette — will cut the richness of the slow-cooked meat. The rawness of the salad helps cleanse the palate between bites of Osso Buco so that you feel like the meal is lighter and more refreshing.
You could also pair the dish with a simple Caprese salad or a radicchio and pear salad for an elegant contrast in textures and flavours.
Osso Buco Recipe and Weight Loss
Osso Buco is not a weight loss food since it is rich, but it does have good portions in a balanced diet. The veal provides high-quality protein and healthy fats from the olive oil, filling you up and maintaining satiety, decreasing the chances of overeating. To lighten it up, Osso Buco can generally be served with vegetables rather than high-calorie sides such as mashed potatoes.
Roasted vegetables or a small number of whole grains (like farro or quinoa) will round out your meal without heavy calories and give the delicious flavours of this Italian classic with meal pace.
The Versatility of Osso Buco Recipe
Besides, it’s a great thing about Osso Buco that it’s so versatile! And although the classic recipe uses veal, you can substitute beef or even pork shanks. The dish can be customized to all sorts of tastes by changing up the sauce base or the herbs or by using the two-burst method — splitting the basting time between wine or other alcohol and a non-alcoholic option. Osso Buco can be served with various sides, depending on what you’re in the mood for — risotto alla Milanese, polenta, maybe a plain old side of pasta.
The richness of the dish makes it perfect for colder months or special occasions, but with a bit of creativity, it can also be a satisfying weeknight meal.
FAQs : Osso Buco Recipe
What to serve with Osso Buco?
Osso Buco is typically served with sides that balance its rich, hearty flavors. The traditional accompaniment is risotto alla Milanese, which is made with saffron and adds a creamy texture. Polenta or mashed potatoes also pair beautifully, as they soak up the flavorful braising sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to cut through the richness of the dish.
What goes with Osso Buco?
In addition to risotto or polenta, Osso Buco can be paired with a variety of side dishes such as crusty bread to mop up the sauce, pasta, or even couscous. A fresh Italian salad with arugula, tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette complements the dish by providing a refreshing contrast to the slow-braised meat. For dessert, you might consider a light option like tiramisu or panna cotta to round off the meal.
What is Osso Buco Beef?
While traditional Osso Buco is made with veal shanks, Osso Buco beef refers to a variation of the dish made using beef shanks instead of veal. The beef shanks have a richer, more intense flavor, and they also feature a marrow-filled bone that adds depth to the braising sauce. When using beef, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly, as beef tends to take longer to become tender than veal.
What is Osso Buco Pork?
Osso Buco pork is another variation of the classic dish, where pork shanks are used instead of veal or beef. Pork shanks are slightly fattier, which contributes to a tender and flavorful dish. The method of slow-braising still applies, but the pork may require less cooking time than beef, and it will produce a slightly different flavor profile.
How do you cook Osso Buco?
To cook Osso Buco, start by searing the veal or beef shanks in a hot pan to develop a caramelized crust. Then, braise the meat in a flavorful sauce made with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, white wine, and broth. Slow-cook the dish for a few hours until the meat becomes tender and the sauce thickens. Garnish with gremolata (a mix of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley) before serving. Serve with risotto, polenta, or a green salad for a complete meal.
Share Your Twist!
We’d love to hear your version of the Osso Buco Recipe ! What special ingredients or techniques do you use to make it uniquely yours? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to create even more delicious meals!
References
Beef 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects – Healthline
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