Are you a fan of rich, flavorful Italian cuisine? If so, you've probably heard of osso buco. This traditional Milanese dish is a true delight for the taste buds, but it can be a bit intimidating to make at home. Don't worry, though! In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to create the best osso buco you've ever tasted. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
What is Osso Buco?
Before we dive into the recipe, let's quickly explain what osso buco is. Osso buco is a classic Italian dish made with braised veal shanks. The name "osso buco" translates to "bone with a hole," referring to the marrow-filled bone in the center of the veal shank. This dish is typically served with a flavorful sauce and gremolata, a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley.
Osso Buco Ingredients
- 4 slices of Refined Selection's Osso Buco
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 3 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- salt, to season
- all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus extra as needed
- 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 3-4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon parsley sprigs, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
How to cook Osso Buco
- Place rosemary, thyme, peppercorns, cloves, and bay leaf on a piece of cheesecloth; tie with kitchen twine to make a bouquet garni. Set aside.
- Pat dry Refined Selection's Osso Buco with paper towels to remove excess moisture. (This ensures that the beef will
- brown better when seared.)
- Season beef liberally with salt and pepper. Tie each piece of beef with kitchen twine to secure the
- meat to the bone. Dredge lightly in flour.
- Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven. Sear beef in batches until browned. Set beef aside.
- Using the same pan with the oil from the beef, sauté onions, carrots, and celery over medium-low heat, about 8 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and let cook for 1 minute. Turn heat to high and add white wine. Let wine reduce to half its original amount.
- Add beef back to the pan. Add bouquet garni and 3 cups chicken stock. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 hours or until meat is very tender and falling off the bone. Check every 20 minutes, turning the beef and adding more stock to keep the beef covered in liquid.
- Mix together parsley, garlic, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Once beef is cooked and tender, remove beef from the pot. Cut kitchen twine and discard. Arrange
- beef on a platter.
- Add parsley mixture to the sauce and mix well. Pour sauce over beef. Serve with rice and vegetables, if desired.
There you have it! With these simple steps, you can make the best osso buco right in your own kitchen. The tender meat, rich sauce, and vibrant gremolata will transport you straight to Italy. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and get ready to savor a truly memorable meal. Buon appetite!