There’s something magical about a dish that brings people together. Ossobuco, with its tender, slow-cooked veal shanks and luxurious sauce, is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in culinary form. Imagine the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen as the meat simmers to perfection, and the way the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, white wine, and aromatic herbs come together in every bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a true game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Ossobuco

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an elegant meal for guests. Its luxurious flavors make it feel special, yet it’s simple enough to prepare on any given day.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients that are affordable and readily available, proving that gourmet doesn’t have to break the bank.
Deeply Flavorful: The slow-cooking process allows the veal to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while soaking up the delicious sauce.
Customizable: Add your twist with different herbs, spices, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for a hint of sweetness.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with anyone who loves hearty, soul-satisfying meals.

Ingredients in Ossobuco

Here’s the beauty of Ossobuco: it’s made with a few simple ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:

Veal Shanks: The star of the show. These become tender and flavorful after slow cooking, with the bone marrow adding an extra depth of richness.
Onions, Carrots, and Celery: The holy trinity of aromatics, creating the base of the sauce.
Tomatoes: Bring a sweet, tangy element that balances the dish beautifully.
White Wine: Adds brightness and acidity to enhance the sauce.
Beef Stock: Provides a robust, savory foundation for the dish.
Fresh Herbs: Think rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves for an earthy aroma.
Garlic: Because every great dish needs a touch of garlic’s bold, savory flavor.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruitiness.
Flour: Lightly coats the veal shanks to help them brown and thicken the sauce.
Lemon Zest (optional): A sprinkle of gremolata (lemon zest, parsley, and garlic) at the end brightens the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Prepare the Veal Shanks: Pat the veal shanks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Lightly coat them in flour, shaking off any excess.
Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the veal shanks on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
Build the Sauce: Add the tomatoes, beef stock, and fresh herbs. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Slow Cook: Nestle the veal shanks back into the pan, ensuring they’re partially submerged in the sauce. Cover and let them simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Finish with Gremolata (Optional): Before serving, sprinkle the dish with a gremolata of lemon zest, parsley, and garlic for a burst of freshness.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Ossobuco with your favorite sides and spoon the sauce generously over the top. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 110mg

How to Serve Ossobuco

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Creamy Risotto: Traditionally served with risotto alla Milanese for an authentic Italian touch.
Mashed Potatoes: A velvety side to soak up the rich sauce.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: A light and colorful complement to the hearty dish.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and measure out ingredients the night before for a stress-free cooking experience.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Substitute veal with beef or lamb shanks if preferred.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the flavors.
Double the Batch: This dish freezes beautifully, so consider making extra for a quick and satisfying meal later on.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute veal shanks with another protein? A1: Absolutely! Beef or lamb shanks work wonderfully and will still result in a tender, flavorful dish.

Q2: Can I make Ossobuco ahead of time? A2: Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers? A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.

Q4: Can I freeze Ossobuco? A4: Definitely! Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish? A5: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables to the dish? A6: Of course! Mushrooms, parsnips, or even potatoes can be added for extra heartiness.

Q7: Can I skip the wine? A7: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with extra beef stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.

Q8: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? A8: Yes, high-quality canned tomatoes work beautifully in this recipe.

Q9: What’s the secret to tender veal? A9: Low and slow cooking is key. Give it time to break down and absorb all the flavors.

Q10: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe? A10: Absolutely! Follow the initial steps for searing and sautéing, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Enjoy creating and sharing this comforting classic—it’s a dish that never fails to impress!

Ossobuco Recipe

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 3 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Ossobuco recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner. Made with tender veal shanks, fragrant rosemary, and a savory vegetable broth, it’s slow-cooked to perfection for ultimate flavor. A comforting dish that’s ideal for date nights or family meals!

Ingredients

Units Scale

3 ossobuco (veal shanks)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1–2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Salt, to taste
2 cups vegetable broth

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Instructions

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Lightly season the ossobuco with salt.
Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet and sear the ossobuco on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent.
Add the ossobuco back to the skillet, along with the rosemary sprigs.
Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the ossobuco is mostly submerged.
Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed.
Serve hot with your choice of mashed potatoes, risotto, or crusty bread.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use beef broth or add a splash of white wine before simmering.
You can add diced carrots and celery to the onion for a traditional soffritto base.
Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the veal shanks.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 120 mg