Osso Buco

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This Italian Osso Buco recipe features beef or veal shanks that are slowly simmered in a deliciously rich gravy until the meat becomes fork tender and practically melts in your mouth.  The preparation is relatively quick and easy and then it’s just a matter of waiting for it to cook.  And the wait is MORE than worth it!

What is Osso Buco?  

Also spelled ossocbuco, the name is Italian for “bone with a hole” (osso “bone”, buco “hole”), referring to the cut of meat used in this dish: cross-cut meat shank with a marrow hole at the center.  This classic Italian dish showcases what is a tough and typically less expensive cut of meat and transforms it into a mouthwateringly tender and flavorful meal.  Veal or beef shanks are braised and the marrow in the bone renders during the process, basting the meat with its juices and infusing the gravy with incredible flavor.  Like Beef Bourguignon is to France, Irish Stew is to Ireland, and Hungarian Goulash is to Hungary, osso buco represents the very best of Italian comfort food.

Osso buco is thought to have originated in the Lombardy region of Italy (think Milan) in the 19th century and but is served throughout Italy as a classic dish with regional differences in its preparation (e.g. some serve it with gremolata and some without; some include tomatoes while others don’t; some serve it with polenta while others serve it with mashed potatoes).

The first time I had osso buco was on a trip to Italy with my husband a few years ago.  We took two weeks and toured Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, Umbria and Lazio.  It was at a quaint, cozy and perfectly wonderful osteria in Monteriggioni, Tuscany that we ordered osso buco.  And it couldn’t have been a better introduction to the dish.

Nor could the walk through the medieval walled village of Monteriggioni have been the more perfect ending to our meal.

Here are just few pictures from our walk through this charming Tuscan village….

Osso buco is such a delicious and timeless classic, it’s the perfect meal to serve for a special occasion, dinner party, holiday, or romantic night in. It’s 5-star restaurant quality food served at home!

And the best part about it – it’s SO easy to make! Minimal prep time and it just simmers on the stove while you go about your day.

Osso Buco Recipe

Let’s get started!

Pat the shanks dry with a paper towel and lightly dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.  Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or medium pot and brown the shanks on both sides and transfer to a plate.  Set aside.

Add the pancetta or bacon and cook until browned, then add the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.

Add the carrots, celery, and garlic and cook another 3-4 minutes until softened.  Add the wine and boil until reduced by half.

Add the broth, seasonings, and tomato paste.

I’m using my favorite broth made by Aneto, a broth manufacturer outside Barcelona, Spain.  Several years ago we had the opportunity to tour their factory and witness the entire broth-making process from start to finish and have been loyal fans ever since.  They select only the freshest vegetables and chicken, wash and prepare them by hand, and then place them in gigantic pots to slow simmer for hours.   Real vegetables, chicken, sea salt, olive oil and nothing else:  absolutely ZERO fillers, preservatives, extracts, “added flavors”, powders or anything of the sort.  Just real, whole ingredients that are prepared the same way you make it at home.  You can read more about or Aneto factory tour.   

Return the browned shanks to the pot, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a very low simmer, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the meat is fork tender.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Serve over creamy polenta, saffron risotto, or mashed potatoes and, if using, sprinkle with gremolata.

What to Serve with Osso Buco

Osso buco is traditionally served with creamy polenta or saffron risotto (known as Risotto alla Milanese).  Other options include mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered pasta. In addition, sautéed greens or grilled vegetables make an ideal side.  And of course some rustic, crusty bread to mop up all the juices is always welcome.

Can This Be Made In Advance?

Absolutely!  This is a perfect make-ahead dish because the flavor is even better the next day.  Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave.  Osso buco also freezes well.

Enjoy!

For more delicious Italian dishes be sure to try my:  

• Beef Ragu
• Bolognese
• Chicken Piccata 
• Italian Pork Ribs
• Pasta alla Norma
• Fettuccine Alfredo
• Beef Braciole
• Capicola
• Minestrone Soup
• Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup
• Lamb Ragu
• Porchetta 
• Focaccia

 Originally published on The Daring Gourmet December 4, 2022