30 by 30: Osso Buco
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I have braised many a meat in my time, but for some reason, I’d never made Osso Buco at home until last week. That’s why it was a perfect 30×30 addition. Like all braised dishes, this turns out flavorful, hearty, fall-off-the-bone tender. All of that with minimal effort!
If you haven’t noticed, I’m a big fan of some pork fat in soups and braised dishes. 🙂 Bacon and pancetta, even when just using a minimal amount, add so much flavor to dishes. I went with pancetta here (you know, keeping it I-talian and all). I decided to leave the pancetta in the Dutch oven as the veal shanks braised, but if you want to keep them a little crisper you can remove them after cooking and just add them on top of the completed dish.
I asked for a couple of smaller veal shanks, so depending on how big yours are the recipe below may serve more than 2. The gremolata is optional, but it adds a little freshness to the dish, so I’m in favor of incorporating it.
This was absolutely delicious and I’m so glad I finally made this at home. I served it with some creamy polenta, but it would be delicious over risotto or mashed cannelini beans.
Osso Buco
Serves 2
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 oz. pancetta, chopped
2 small veal shanks
flour (about 3 Tbsp.) for dredging
1 small carrot, sliced
1 celery rib, sliced
1/4 cup diced onion
1 sprig rosemary
1 small plum tomato, seeded and diced
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cloves garlic, minced
2/3 cup vermouth or dry white wine
1.5 cups (approximately) chicken stock
Gremolata
1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
1 small clove garlic, finely minced
1 tsp. lemon zest
Heat a small Dutch oven over medium heat, and add the oil. Once hot, add the pancetta and cook until crisp and it has rendered its fat. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and reserve. Leave about 1 Tbsp. of fat in the pan.
Season the flour with some salt and pepper. Pat the veal shanks dry and then dredge them in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Add to the hot Dutch oven and brown on all sides. Remove.
To the pot, add the carrot, celery, onion, rosemary, tomato, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 7-8 minutes. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Increase the heat slightly, and then add the wine. Reduce by half.
Add the chicken stock and salt and pepper to taste. Place the veal shanks and the pancetta back into the pot. Bring to a boil and then cover and simmer over low heat for 1.5-2 hours, turning occasionally, and adding more stock if necessary (the liquid should come about halfway up the shanks).
To make the gremolata, combine the parsley, garlic, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the plated veal shanks.
Looks delicious! Perfect for the cold weather.
When I saw the picture of this dish, my first thought was: I want that. Seriously, the way you’ve cooked the meat and with all those veggies — it looks beautiful and enticing.
THIS LOOKS SO GOOD! Wow Elly! I am impressed!
I’ve been thinking about making osso buco lately. This may have just pushed me over the edge. Looks delicious…and I like the idea of serving over mashed white beans.
Wow – looks absolutely fabulous!
I’ve always wanted to try osso buco at home, but I’m always terrified it won’t come out anywhere near as good as restaurant versions. Yours looks great, and I love the idea of the gremolita to lighten things up a bit.
Elly, I still have to try to cook osso buco…yours look delicious, full of flavor…great photos as well 🙂
over mashed cannelli beans? omg how good does that sound? your dish/photo looks stunning. (as usual) 🙂
It just looks so flavourful Elly. I could dip my fork right in and the meat would literally fall of the bone and into my mouth.
The dish looks so comforting
This looks awesome. Hubby would love it! He makes an Osso Bucco style chicken that is awesome.
Elly, you’ve outdone yourself with this excellent rendition of Osso Buco…right down to the bean puree.
I’ve enjoyed osso buco in restaurants but never at home. This looks excellent and I love the freshness of the gremolata.
Beautiful photos, Elly! I have to ask, does this dish make you think of my favorite Office episode ever – The Dinner Party?
Haha, Annie, I hadn’t thought about it till now and I’m cracking up. 🙂
What a wonderful winter meal, I love osso buco, but I have never made it at home. I live alone and unattened I would eat it all! I have awarded you the Stylish Blogger Award. Please check it out at http://www.calamitykitchen.com
This looks amazing! You’ve inspired me to make osso buco
Love it Elly! As a braised/stew kind a guy this is so perfect! Great job and good to see you keeping up with your 30×30 list!
Great recipe, a new way to eat one of my favourite meats. Thanks.
Wonderful photos.
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