Looking to bring a taste of Italy into your home? Look no further than our Authentic Italian Ossobuco Recipe. This classic Italian dish features braised veal shanks cooked to perfection with white wine, broth, vegetables, and a zesty gremolata. With its tender meat, flavorful sauce, and vibrant garnish, this dish is sure to transport you to the streets of Italy with every bite. Follow our detailed recipe to recreate this traditional Italian favorite in your own kitchen and impress your family and friends with your culinary prowess. Buon appetito!
Ingredients
To make a delicious and authentic Italian Ossobuco, you will need the following ingredients:
Veal shanks
The star of the dish, veal shanks are the meaty and flavorful cuts that provide the foundation of the Ossobuco. Look for shanks that have a good amount of marbling and are about 2-3 inches thick.
Vegetable oil
You will need vegetable oil for searing the veal shanks and sautéing the vegetables. This oil has a high smoke point, which makes it perfect for these cooking methods.
All-purpose flour
Coating the veal shanks with flour before searing them helps to lock in the juices and gives a nice golden crust.
Salt and pepper
Seasoning is key in any dish, and Ossobuco is no exception. Use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the veal and vegetables.
Onion
Diced onions add depth and sweetness to the braising liquid, creating a rich and savory base for the Ossobuco.
Carrots
Carrots not only add color to the dish but also contribute a subtle sweetness. They are a classic addition to the vegetable medley in Ossobuco.
Celery
Celery brings a refreshing and slightly bitter note to the Ossobuco. It adds complexity to the flavors and complements the other vegetables.
Garlic
Minced garlic is a staple in Italian cuisine, and it adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish. It infuses the braising liquid with its distinct taste.
Tomato paste
Tomato paste is used to create a delicious and rich sauce for the Ossobuco. It adds a touch of acidity and helps to thicken the braising liquid.
White wine
White wine is a key ingredient in Ossobuco, providing acidity and brightness to the dish. It also helps to tenderize the veal as it simmers.
Beef or chicken broth
Broth is the base of the braising liquid, adding depth and richness to the dish. You can use either beef or chicken broth, depending on your preference.
Bay leaves
Bay leaves are a classic herb used in Italian cooking. They add a subtle herbal flavor to the Ossobuco as it simmers, enhancing the overall taste.
Gremolata (parsley, garlic, lemon zest)
Gremolata is a traditional garnish for Ossobuco, adding a burst of freshness and brightness to the dish. It is made with chopped parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s go over the steps to prepare for making your delicious Ossobuco.
Prepare the veal shanks
Start by trimming any excess fat from the veal shanks. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and allows the flavors to shine through. Season the shanks generously with salt and pepper, and let them come to room temperature before cooking.
Dredge the veal shanks
Place some all-purpose flour on a plate or shallow dish. Coat the veal shanks in the flour, shaking off any excess. This step helps to create a flavorful crust on the shanks when searing them.
Sear the veal shanks
Heat some vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Add the veal shanks and sear them until they are nicely browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall appearance of the dish. Once seared, remove the veal shanks from the pot and set them aside.
Sauté the vegetables
In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The vegetables will release their flavors and aromas, which will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Add tomato paste and deglaze
Stir in tomato paste, coating the sautéed vegetables. This step adds richness and depth to the braising liquid. Deglaze the pot by pouring in a small amount of white wine and using a spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These flavorful bits will dissolve into the liquid, adding complexity to the dish.
Add white wine and reduce
Pour in the remaining white wine, stirring to combine it with the tomato paste and vegetables. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by about half. This step intensifies the flavors and helps to tenderize the veal as it simmers.
Add broth and bay leaves
Pour in the beef or chicken broth, enough to cover the veal shanks. Add a couple of bay leaves for extra flavor. The broth will infuse the Ossobuco with richness, and the bay leaves will contribute their distinct herbal notes. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
Braise the veal shanks
Return the seared veal shanks to the pot, submerging them in the braising liquid. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in a preheated oven. Let the Ossobuco braise at a low temperature for about 2 to 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together.
Prepare the gremolata
While the Ossobuco is braising, prepare the gremolata. Finely chop some fresh parsley, mince some garlic, and zest a lemon. Combine these ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. The gremolata will add a burst of freshness to the finished dish.
Serve the ossobuco
Once the veal shanks are tender and the flavors have developed, it’s time to serve the Ossobuco. Remove the shanks from the pot and place them on serving plates. Spoon some of the braising liquid and vegetables over the shanks, making sure to distribute them evenly. Sprinkle the gremolata on top to add a pop of color and freshness. Ossobuco is traditionally served with risotto or polenta, which complement the rich and flavorful meat.
By following these steps, you can create a delightful and authentic Italian Ossobuco right in your own kitchen. The tender and succulent veal shanks, combined with the aromatic vegetables and flavorful braising liquid, will transport your taste buds to Italy. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a truly satisfying meal!
