Traditionally served with gremolata and a small spoon to enjoy the marrow from the bone, ossobuco is a classic Milanese dish that is known around the world.

Italian cuisine is very diverse in nature, exhibiting unique regional identity. But some dishes have escaped their regional borders and have been adopted throughout Italy, and even worldwide. Think Insalata Caprese, Spaghetti alla Carbonara. One dish, initially from Northern Italy, that now enjoys a world wide reputation is Ossobuco.

Ossobuco alla Milanese, hails from Milan. Ossobuco comes from the local dialect, oss bus, or “bone with a hole”. The basic ingredient for Ossobuco is veal shank, preferably the widest part of the hind shank which has a fair amount of meat around the marrow bone. Marrowbones and veal shanks were used in Italian cooking as far back as the middle ages, but it is doubtful this dish is that old. Its first appearance in a cookbook is not until 1891, in Pellegrino Artusi’s “La Scienza in Cucina e l’Arte di Mangiare Bene” (The Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well), one of the first collections of Italian national cuisine ever published.

It is traditionally seasoned just before serving with gremolata, or gremolada, a mixture of grated lemon peel, parsley and garlic. Culinary historians note that in the late 18th century, lemon, which grows in much of Italy, began to be used as a seasoning to replace more expensive spices that had to be imported, like cinnamon and cloves. Since that time, the dish has come into its own, a staple on the menu of the many osterie and trattorie in Milan, and worldwide. In Milan, it is served with risotto alla milanese, and a litte spoon for extracting every last morsel of the luscious marrow from the bone. This city takes its local dish so seriously that in 2007, the City Council included oss bus in the De.Co. (Denominazioni Comunali), officially proclaiming their ownership of this local specialty.

Recipes for Ossobuco now appear in cookbooks in France, the US, and the UK, so as one would expect, there are many variations. Should you use tomatoes? Tomatoes were not introduced to Italy until the late 19th century, so the original version probably did not include them, but today tomatoes are used more often that not. Some versions braise in the oven, others on the stove top. Variations of gremolata include other herbs like rosemary and sage, and many include an anchovy. Let your personal taste be your guide.

A perfect wine to enjoy with your Ossobuco would be a robust red from Valtellina. The most prestigious zone for red wines in Lombardy, this region, located in the Alps north of Milan, is the only region outside of Piedmont to produce a Nebbiolo based red, locally called Chiavennasca.

Step by Step Guide to Making Traditional Milanese Ossobuco with Gremolata

Preparation:

1. ---

   Season the Veal:

   • Lay out the veal shanks on a sheet pan and season them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Next, dust them with flour, shaking off any excess.

2. ---

   Brown the Veal:

   • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid (large enough to fit the veal shanks in a single layer), heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shanks to the pan and brown them well on all sides, making sure there is space between the shanks. If necessary, sear them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, as you want them to sear, not steam. Once nicely browned, remove the shanks from the pan and set them aside.

3. ---

   Sauté the Vegetables:

   • To the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until they begin to soften and brown. Season with salt and pepper, then add the minced garlic and cook until aromatic, which should take about 1 minute.

4. ---

   Add Wine:

   • Pour in the dry white wine, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it by about half.

Braising:

5. ---

   Add Remaining Ingredients:

   • Place the browned veal shanks back into the pot on top of the vegetables. Add the beef stock, diced canned plum tomatoes, fresh thyme, bay leaf, and parsley. The liquid should cover the shanks about halfway. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a low simmer.

6. ---

   Cook:

   • Cover the pot tightly and allow it to simmer over very low heat until the veal is very well done and falling off the bone, which should take about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the shanks. Alternatively, you can transfer the braise to a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven and cook it there instead of on the stovetop. Just ensure your pot is oven-proof (no plastic handles).

Gremolata Preparation:

7. ---

   Prepare the Gremolata:

   • While the veal is cooking, prepare the gremolata. In a small bowl, combine the chopped parsley, grated lemon peel, minced garlic, and minced anchovy filet (if using).

Final Steps:

8. ---

   Add Gremolata:

   • Once the veal is cooked, remove the pot from the oven (or stovetop) and top the shanks with the gremolata. Turn the shanks a few times to mix the gremolata into the braising liquid.

9. ---

   Serve:

   • Serve the ossobuco with risotto alla milanese. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the shanks from the pot and reduce the sauce over high heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Traditional Milanese Ossobuco with Gremolata

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• Author: Kathy Bechtel
• Total Time: 140 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Diet: Omnivore, Gluten-Free

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Description

Tender veal shanks braised to perfection, served with vibrant gremolata. A classic Milanese comfort food.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 slices (4 slices) veal hind shank (tied)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• Flour
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• 1/2 medium (1/2 medium) onion
• 1 (1) carrot
• 1 (1) celery stalk
• 1 tsp garlic
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) dry white wine
• 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) beef stock
• 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) diced canned plum tomatoes
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 or 3 sprigs parsley
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) chopped parsley
• 1 tsp grated lemon peel
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 anchovy filet

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Instructions

1. For any braise, use a heavy bottomed pot with a tight fitting lid, large enough to accommodate the veal shanks in a single layer.
2. Lay the veal shanks out on a sheet pan and season generously with salt and pepper. Dust with flour, shaking off the excess.
3. In the large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. When hot, add the shanks to the pan and brown well on all sides. Allow space between the shanks, searing them in batches if necessary. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pan, and cook until beginning to soften and brown. Season with salt and pepper. Add the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute.
5. Add the white wine, bring to a boil and reduce by about half.
6. Place the veal shanks back in the pot on top of the vegetables. Add the stock, tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf and parsley. The shanks should be covered about halfway with the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
7. Cover the pot tightly, and allow to simmer over very low heat until the veal is very well done and falling off the bone, about 2–3 hours, depending on the size of the shanks. Alternatively, transfer the braise to a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven and cook until tender.
8. Remove the pot from the oven, and top the shanks with the gremolata. Turn a few times to mix the gremolata into the braising liquid. Serve with risotto alla milanese. If you wish a thicker sauce, remove the shanks and reduce over high heat until it is the desired consistency.
9. Gremolata
10. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.

Notes

• For deeper flavor, sear the veal shanks in batches to ensure proper browning without overcrowding the pan.
• Substitute dry Marsala wine for the white wine for a richer, slightly sweeter flavor profile.
• To make ahead, prepare the ossobuco up to a day in advance; reheat gently before serving and add fresh gremolata just before plating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 shank
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 800
• Fat: 30
• Saturated Fat: 10
• Unsaturated Fat: 15
• Carbohydrates: 20
• Fiber: 5
• Protein: 40
• Cholesterol: 150

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