italianchef.com
Ossobuco Recipe
Ossobuco is a classic Milanese dish that pairs perfectly with another specialty from the Lombardy region, saffron infused Risotto alla Milanese. The name Ossobuco literally translates to 'bone with a hole' which is a reference to the marrow filled hole in the center of the veal shank. You might be tempted to skip the tying
Prep
15 min
Cook
2h
Total
2h 15m
Serves
4
Instructions
- 01
Heat the 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sautè pan over medium heat. Dredge the veal shanks in the flour, coating on all sides and shake off the excess flour. When the oil is hot, slip in the shanks and brown them on all sides. Remove the veal shanks and reserve.
- 02
Add the onion, carrot and celery to the pan. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 10 minutes.
- 03
Add the wine and reduce for two minutes, scraping loose the browning residues stuck to the bottom of the pan. Then add the reserved veal shanks back to the pan.
- 04
Add the butter, chicken broth, tomatoes, pepper and salt to the pot. The liquid should come at least two thirds of the way to the top of the shanks. If it does not, add more broth.
- 05
Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer cover the pot and cook for about 2 hours, turning and basting every 30 minutes, until the meat is very tender.
- 06
Transfer the ossobuco to warm serving plates and carefully cut off the strings. Spoon the sauce from the pot over the ossobuco and serve.
Variations & swaps
Substitutions
- Veal shanks. Beef shanks work as a substitute but require longer cooking time (2.5 to 3 hours). The flavor will be beefier and less delicate than veal.
- Wine. A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Do not use anything sweet. In a pinch, dry vermouth works.
- Broth. Chicken broth is traditional here. Veal stock if you have it. Beef broth works but is heavier.
- Tomatoes. Crushed San Marzano are ideal. Some Milanese versions use very little tomato or none at all (ossobuco in bianco). This recipe uses a moderate amount.
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