Osso Buco (Ossobuco)

Delicious Osso Buco: A Classic Italian Recipe

Osso Buco, also known as Ossobuco, is a traditional Italian dish that consists of braised veal shanks cooked with vegetables, white wine, and broth. The meat is tender and falls off the bone, while the sauce is rich and flavorful.

This hearty dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just craving authentic Italian food, Osso Buco is sure to impress your guests.

Pair it with creamy risotto or polenta and a glass of red wine for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Treat yourself to this classic Italian recipe and savor every bite of this decadent dish.

Italian Osso Buco Recipe

Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of veal shanks, about 1 inch thick
– Salt and pepper
– All-purpose flour for dredging
– 4 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of dry white wine
– 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 1 bay leaf
– Zest of one lemon
– Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation time: About 20 minutes

Cooking time: Approximately 2 hours

Serves: 4 persons

Instructions:

1. Dredge the veal shanks in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the veal shanks on all sides, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add in the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.
4. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce.
5. Add in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, bay leaf, and lemon zest. Stir well.
6. Return the veal shanks to the skillet. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
7. Check seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.

Difficulty score: 3 out of 10

The difficulty score is relatively low because this Italian Osso Buco recipe involves simple techniques such as browning meat, sautéing vegetables, and simmering ingredients together. It does require some time to cook slowly until the meat is tender but overall is a straightforward dish to prepare for anyone familiar with basic cooking methods.

Nutrition: Osso Buco (Ossobuco)

Osso Buco, a classic Italian recipe originating from Milan, is a flavorful dish made with braised veal shanks. Here is the nutrition per serving based on the traditional recipe:

• Calories: 420
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• *Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

This dish is considered to be relatively healthy as it is high in protein and essential nutrients. However, due to its higher fat content, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Serve your Osso Buco with a side of risotto or polenta and enjoy this delicious and comforting Italian food.

Serving suggestions for Osso Buco (Ossobuco)

When serving Osso Buco, it is traditional to pair this rich and flavorful dish with a side of creamy risotto alla Milanese. The saffron-infused risotto complements the tender braised veal shanks perfectly. You can also serve it with a side of soft polenta or mashed potatoes if you prefer.

To add a fresh element to your meal, consider serving a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad will help cut through the richness of the Ossobuco and provide a nice contrast in flavors.

For a more indulgent experience, you can also serve some crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up all the delicious sauce from the Osso Buco. Don’t forget to garnish each plate with a sprinkle of gremolata, made with finely chopped parsley, garlic, and lemon zest, for an extra burst of flavor.

What to serve with Osso Buco (Ossobuco)

When preparing this classic Italian recipe, it’s important to choose sides that complement the rich flavors of the dish. One popular option is to serve Osso Buco alongside a simple polenta. The creamy texture of the polenta pairs well with the tender meat and savory sauce.

• Gremolata: A mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley that adds freshness and brightness to each bite.
• Risotto alla Milanese: Creamy saffron-infused risotto that enhances the flavors of the Osso Buco.
• Crusty Italian bread: Perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce from the dish.
• Green salad: Dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

An alternative option is to serve Osso Buco with a side of roasted vegetables such as carrots, fennel, or Brussels sprouts. The caramelized sweetness of the vegetables pairs nicely with the savory braised meat. Whatever sides you choose, be sure to enjoy this classic Italian food dish with good company and a glass of red wine for an unforgettable dining experience!

Tips to Increase Flavor on Italian Osso Buco Recipe

One way to enhance the flavor of your Italian recipe for Osso Buco is to add a touch of umami-rich ingredients. Consider incorporating ingredients such as anchovies, tomato paste, or porcini mushrooms to deepen the savory notes in the dish. These additions will complement the richness of the braised veal shanks and create a more complex flavor profile.

Spicy Score: 3 out of 10

I would give this dish a spicy score of 3 out of 10. While traditional Ossobuco is not typically spicy, you can add a hint of heat by including a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos. Be cautious not to overpower the other flavors in the dish with spice, but rather use it as a subtle enhancement to add depth and complexity.