Osso Buco is a classic Italian dish made with tender veal shanks braised in a rich sauce of white wine, vegetables, and fresh herbs. The slow braising process makes the meat fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor, while the marrow in the bone adds richness to the sauce. This dish is perfect for special occasions, but also a comforting Sunday dinner for the family. It can be made ahead, and the flavors improve the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or hosting dinner parties.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Osso Buco:

• 4-6 veal shanks (2-3 inches thick, about 2.5-3 lbs)

• 4 oz pancetta or bacon (optional, or substitute with 2-3 tablespoons olive oil)

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 ribs of celery, diced

• 1 medium onion, peeled and diced

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed or chopped

• 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• 1-2 sprigs rosemary (or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon dried)

• 1 cup dry white wine (or red wine like Pinot Noir)

• 1-2 cups chicken or veal stock (or beef broth)

• 1 (14 oz) can of crushed tomatoes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• Mashed potatoes, risotto, or polenta for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Veal Shanks:

   • Season veal shanks generously with salt and black pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off the excess.

2. Cook the Pancetta (Optional):

   • In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the pancetta over medium heat and cook until golden and crispy. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Sear the Veal Shanks:

   • In the same pot, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the veal shanks and brown them on all sides (about 5 minutes per side). Remove the shanks and set them aside.

4. Cook the Vegetables:

   • Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and brown. Add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

5. Deglaze and Braise:

   • Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the crushed tomatoes (if using) and stock, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the veal shanks and pancetta to the pot, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged in liquid.

6. Slow Braise:

   • Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Braise the meat for 1.5 to 2 hours until it’s fork-tender and the meat is falling off the bone.

7. Finish the Sauce:

   • Remove the veal shanks from the pot and set them aside. Bring the sauce to the stovetop and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to reduce to a richer, thicker consistency. You can strain the sauce if desired, but it’s not necessary.

8. Serve:

   • Serve the veal shanks over mashed potatoes, risotto, or creamy polenta. Spoon the reduced sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 400 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 40g

• Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 105mg

• Sodium: 550mg

• Potassium: 700mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

• Vitamin A: 1200 IU

• Vitamin C: 6mg

• Calcium: 35mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Origins of Osso Buco

The origins of Osso Buco trace back to the Lombardy region in northern Italy, specifically to Milan. The dish has become a staple of Italian cuisine, renowned for its depth of flavor and tender texture. Traditionally, Osso Buco was made using veal shanks, which were slow-braised to achieve the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that the dish is known for. Over the years, Osso Buco has evolved, and variations now include the use of pork, beef, or even lamb, though veal remains the classic choice.

The dish’s rich sauce, which consists of vegetables, white wine, and herbs, forms a perfect complement to the meat. Osso Buco is often paired with risotto, mashed potatoes, or polenta to soak up the flavorful sauce, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

The Key Elements of Osso Buco

The magic of Osso Buco lies in its simplicity, as the dish relies on just a few ingredients to create an unforgettable experience. The main component is veal shanks, which are cooked slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. The marrow inside the bones is an essential part of the dish, adding a richness and depth to the sauce that elevates the entire meal.

The vegetables—onions, carrots, celery, and garlic—form the base of the sauce, providing both sweetness and earthiness. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma that pairs beautifully with the rich veal. White wine, often used in the braising liquid, gives the sauce acidity and balance, while crushed tomatoes (optional in some recipes) add a slight tanginess to round out the flavors.

Why Osso Buco is Perfect for Special Occasions and Family Meals

Osso Buco is a dish that can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for hosting dinner parties or special occasions. The slow braising process allows the flavors to develop and improve over time, meaning that Osso Buco often tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re preparing a Sunday dinner for the family or an elegant meal for guests, this dish offers both sophistication and comfort in one pot.

For family meals, Osso Buco offers a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing. The tender veal shanks and the flavorful sauce create a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. It’s also a great option for meal prep because it can be made in advance and simply reheated when ready to serve, saving you time on busy days.

The Art of Braising: Slow-Cooked Perfection

Braising is the technique at the heart of Osso Buco, and it is what makes this dish so special. Braising involves cooking meat slowly in liquid at a low temperature, which allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. The key to successful braising is to cook the meat for a long period of time, which allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in tender, juicy pork.

The braising liquid for Osso Buco typically consists of a combination of white wine, stock, and tomatoes. This mixture not only helps to cook the veal shanks but also forms the base for the sauce that will be served with the meat. As the veal shanks cook, the marrow from the bones melts into the sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture that adds depth of flavor.

Pairing Osso Buco with Side Dishes

Osso Buco is typically served with a starch, which allows the flavorful sauce to be absorbed and enhances the overall meal. Traditionally, Osso Buco is paired with risotto, which is creamy and rich and perfectly complements the tender veal. The creamy texture of risotto balances the richness of the dish, making each bite feel indulgent.

Another classic pairing is mashed potatoes, which also absorb the savory sauce and offer a smooth, comforting base for the Osso Buco. Polenta is another great option, with its slightly grainy texture providing a satisfying contrast to the rich sauce and tender meat. You can also serve the dish with a side of crusty bread to help soak up the delicious sauce, ensuring that no flavor is left behind.

Health Benefits of Osso Buco

While Osso Buco is undeniably rich and flavorful, it also offers several health benefits. Veal, a lean source of protein, is lower in fat compared to other types of meat, making it a healthier option for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal without excessive calories. The vegetables and herbs in the dish provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the slow cooking process helps to retain the nutrients in the ingredients.

The inclusion of bone marrow in Osso Buco is a traditional element that adds richness to the sauce but also offers potential health benefits. Bone marrow is a good source of collagen, which is beneficial for joint health and skin elasticity. The slow-braising method helps to extract the nutrients from the marrow, making it a nourishing addition to the dish.

Tips for Making Perfect Osso Buco

To ensure that your Osso Buco turns out perfectly every time, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, it’s important to use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for braising. This ensures that the heat is distributed evenly and prevents burning or uneven cooking. Browning the veal shanks before braising is also essential for developing flavor, as it helps to create a caramelized crust on the meat.

When adding the vegetables, it’s important to cook them until they are softened and lightly browned, as this helps to bring out their natural sweetness. Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pot with white wine, as this helps to lift the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pot and adds complexity to the sauce.

Finally, be patient during the braising process. Osso Buco benefits from slow, steady cooking, so avoid rushing the process. The longer it cooks, the more tender and flavorful the meat will become. If possible, allow the dish to rest for a few hours after cooking to let the flavors fully develop.

Conclusion: Why Osso Buco Should Be Part of Your Culinary Repertoire

In conclusion, Osso Buco is a timeless dish that embodies the essence of Italian comfort food. With its tender veal shanks, rich sauce, and fragrant herbs, it offers a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s perfect for both special occasions and family dinners. The slow braising process ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that is full of depth and richness.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a meal for yourself, Osso Buco is a dish that never fails to impress. The ability to make it ahead of time and the fact that the flavors improve the next day make it an excellent option for meal prep or dinner parties. So, give this classic Italian dish a try and enjoy the flavors of Italy in your own home.