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Italian Dinner Featured

Traditional Osso Buco

A timeless Italian comfort food classic featuring succulent braised veal shanks infused with white wine, aromatics, and bright gremolata.

Level Medium Prep 20 min Cook 120 min Servings 4 Score 4.9/10
Ready in
140 min

Makes 4 servings

Prep 20m
Cook 120m
Level Medium

About this recipe

A timeless Italian comfort food classic featuring succulent braised veal shanks infused with white wine, aromatics, and bright gremolata.

Traditional Milanese braised veal shanks crowned with fresh gremolata.

Ingredients

Main

Vegetables

Braising Liquid

Gremolata

Equipment

  • Dutch oven Heavy-bottomed with lid
  • Tongs For turning meat
  • Microplane grater For lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Season veal shanks with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.

  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the veal shanks on both sides, then remove and set aside.

  3. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened and lightly browned.

  4. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and let it reduce by half.

  5. Stir in the beef stock and crushed tomatoes. Return the veal shanks to the pot.

  6. Cover and simmer on low heat (or braise in a 325°F oven) for about 2 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.

    120 min
  7. Mix lemon zest, minced parsley, and garlic together to make gremolata. Sprinkle over the osso buco just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories 520
Protein 42g
Carbs 15g
Fat 28g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 5g
Sodium 610mg
Serving Size 1 shank

Cooking Timeline

Prep 20 min
Cook 120 min
Total 140 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.3 /10
Expert 4.9 95% conf.
  • Taste 10.0
  • Presentation 9.5
  • Nutrition 8.0
  • Value 8.5
  • Instructions 9.5
  • Ingredients 9.0
  • Time Accuracy 9.0
  • Difficulty 6.5
  • Would Make Again 9.0

Expert Review

Verdict

An exquisite Italian masterpiece with melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, deep flavors.

Pros

  • Incredibly tender meat
  • Rich aromatic sauce
  • Classic presentation

Cons

  • Requires longer cooking time

Overview

Traditional Milanese braised veal shanks crowned with fresh gremolata.

AI Insights

Summary

A timeless Italian comfort food classic featuring succulent braised veal shanks infused with white wine, aromatics, and bright gremolata.

Tips

  • Do not skip tying the shanks with kitchen twine to help them keep their shape while browning
  • Always include the marrow bone, as it melts into the sauce and provides unmatched flavor
  • Add the gremolata right at the very end to keep its fresh citrus punch vibrant

Substitutions

  • Dry white wine → Chicken broth mixed with a splash of white wine vinegar
  • Veal shanks → Thick cut beef shanks

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen significantly overnight.

Pairing

  • Traditional saffron risotto (Risotto alla Milanese)
  • A bold Italian red wine like Barolo or Chianti Classico

AI Cooking Assistant

Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.

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FAQ

Can I substitute beef shanks for veal?
Yes, beef shanks work well, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender.
What should I serve osso buco with?
It is traditionally served over Milanese risotto or polenta, with crusty bread to scoop out the marrow.

About the Author

FindEdition Kitchen

Specialty: Italian cuisine

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