Osso Buco: A Classic Milanese Dish of Slow-Cooked Veal Shanks

 Osso Buco, which means “bone with a hole” in Italian, is a traditional Milanese dish made with veal shanks slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. The dish is typically served with a gremolata, a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley, which adds a fresh burst of flavor to the rich sauce. Here is a classic recipe for Osso Buco that you can make at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 veal shanks (about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 cup of dry white wine
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (28 oz)
• 2 cups of beef or veal broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary

For the gremolata:

• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper. Dredge them in flour, shaking off the excess.
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the veal shanks and brown them on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Remove the veal shanks from the pot and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery and sauté until softened.
5. Add the white wine to the pot and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
6. Return the veal shanks to the pot and add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, and lemon zest for the gremolata.
9. Once the Osso Buco is cooked, remove the meat from the pot and keep it warm. Discard the bay leaves and herb sprigs.
10. Skim any excess fat off the surface of the sauce and reduce it by simmering if necessary.
11. Spoon the sauce over the Osso Buco, and sprinkle with gremolata before serving.

Osso buco is a traditional and hearty Italian dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your preference, and serve with polenta or risotto for a satisfying and comforting meal.