Osso Bucco

Osso Bucco: A Succulent and Flavorful Delicacy

Who hasn't heard of Osso Bucco? This classic recipe, rich in flavors and textures, is known for its tender and juicy meat that easily falls off the bone, leaving us drooling. Even those who aren't fans of beef, like me, will be impressed by its taste. So, let's embark on a culinary journey to prepare this special dish!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

- 2 large pieces of beef shank with bone
- 50 ml olive oil
- 50 ml dry white wine
- 800 ml beef broth
- 1 large carrot
- 1 large parsley root
- A piece of celery
- 2 medium onions
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 300 g tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Wheat flour (for dusting the meat)
- 1 bay leaf
- Basil (fresh or dried)
- Thyme (fresh or dried)
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground pepper

For gremolata:

- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 small clove of garlic
- Freshly chopped parsley

Steps to achieve a perfect Osso Bucco:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onions, carrot, celery, and parsley root into large pieces. This recipe doesn't require fine chopping, so don't stress too much about the appearance.

2. Season the meat: In a large pot, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Meanwhile, season the shank pieces with salt and freshly ground pepper, then dust them with flour. This will help caramelize the meat and thicken the sauce.

3. Brown the meat: When the oil is hot, add the pieces of meat and brown them on each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden. Remove the meat from the pot and keep it warm, covered with aluminum foil.

4. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the butter and chopped vegetables. Sauté them until they soften and turn golden, about 5-7 minutes. The flavors will blend beautifully and create a delicious base for the sauce.

5. Add the liquids: Pour the beef broth and white wine into the pot, stirring to deglaze all the caramelized flavors from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

6. Combine everything: Return the pieces of meat back to the pot, add the bay leaf, basil, and thyme. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer on low heat for about an hour.

7. Add the tomatoes: After an hour, add the chopped tomatoes (or tomato puree) to the pot. Continue to cook for another hour or until the meat is extremely tender and the sauce has thickened. You will notice your home filling with succulent and irresistible aromas.

8. Prepare the gremolata: While the Osso Bucco is cooking, you can prepare the gremolata. Crush the garlic clove, finely chop the parsley, and zest the lemon. Mix all the ingredients and set aside.

9. Serve: When the Osso Bucco is ready, serve it on warm plates alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or soft polenta. Sprinkle the gremolata on top for an extra touch of freshness and flavor. This combination will turn your meal into a true culinary feast!

Serving suggestions and variations:

Osso Bucco can also be served with risotto, which will absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce. You can also explore variations by adding green olives or capers for a touch of acidity and a more complex flavor. A fresh green salad on the side will perfectly complement this dish.

Nutritional information:
This dish is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, thanks to the beef and olive oil. Additionally, the vegetables provide essential fiber and vitamins, while the lemon in the gremolata adds a boost of vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Although Osso Bucco is traditionally made with beef, you can try a version with chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter.

- How can I make the sauce thicker? If you want a denser sauce, you can leave the pot uncovered in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking or add a splash of cornstarch mixed with water.

- What wine should I use? A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, is recommended, as it will add depth to the sauce.

So, don't hesitate any longer! This Osso Bucco recipe is a perfect opportunity to impress your family or friends. Savor every bite and enjoy the rich flavors and succulent texture of the meat. Bon appétit!