Osso Buco is an Italian dish made from veal shanks (leg meat with a bone in the center) that are slowly cooked with wine, broth, tomatoes, onions, and garlic until tender. When it’s done, the meat is soft, and there’s tasteful marrow inside the bone. It’s often served with a mix of lemon, garlic, and parsley on top.

Origins of Osso Buco

People think Osso Buco began in Milan, a big city in Northern Italy. In Italian, “Osso Buco” means “bone with a hole”. This rustic dish can trace its roots back to the 19th century and is an example of Italian creativity for using humble ingredients to create culinary masterpieces.

Usually, people make Osso Buco with veal shanks. But in some parts of Italy, they use beef or pork instead. Its enduring popularity has earned it a place of honor in Italian cuisine and beyond.means

Variations of Osso Buco

While the classic Osso Buco recipe remains popular, regional variations have emerged over time, offering exciting variation on this Italian favorite. The following are the most common variations of Osso Buco:

• Classic Milanese Osso Buco – Made with veal shanks, a rich tomato-based sauce, and gremolata (a zesty herb and lemon garnish), this is the classic version of Osso Buco.

• Osso Buco alla Fiorentina – Hailing from Tuscany, this variation uses beef shanks instead of veal, and the sauce is often less tomato-centric, emphasizing a rich broth with white wine and aromatics.

• Osso Buco with Saffron – In places like Milan, they add saffron to the sauce, giving it a yellow color and a unique taste.

• Vegetarian Osso Buco – For a meatless version, you can use big pieces of portobello mushrooms or eggplant instead of meat. This makes a tasty dish that vegetarians and vegans can eat.

• Osso Buco with Risotto This is a luxurious pairing of Osso Buco served alongside creamy saffron risotto (risotto alla milanese) for an indulgent meal known as “Ossobuco con Risotto alla Milanese.”

Preparation of Osso Buco

Creating an authentic Osso Buco requires time, patience, and a few essential ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this Italian classic

Ingredients

• 4 veal shanks (about 2 inches thick)
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef or veal broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Gremolata (zest of 1 lemon, 2 cloves garlic, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, finely minced and combined)

Recipe Instructions

• Begin by tying kitchen twine around each veal shank to keep the meat attached to the bone during cooking. Season the shanks with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.

• Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the veal shanks on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove them and set them aside.

• In the same pot, add chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook the vegetables until they’re soft and smell good, which takes about 5 minutes.

• Pour in the white wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

• Add the diced tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf. Return the browned veal shanks to the pot.

• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the veal is tender and the sauce has thickened.

• Prepare the gremolata by combining lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.

• Before serving, sprinkle the gremolata over the Osso Buco. Serve hot, traditionally with risotto alla milanese or polenta.

Cookware Used

To prepare Osso Buco to perfection, you’ll need the following essential cookware

• Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Skillet A large, sturdy pot is essential for browning the meat and simmering the sauce. A Dutch oven distributes heat evenly.

• Kitchen Twine Used to tie the veal shanks to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.

• Lid or Cover Ensure your pot has a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and moisture during the slow braising process.

Whether you choose to savor the traditional Milanese recipe or explore the diverse regional and creative variations, Osso Buco promises a culinary journey that warms the heart and delights the palate.

Popularity

Osso Buco has gained international recognition and popularity over the years. Many reasons make Osso Buco popular:

• Fine Dining – Many fancy Italian restaurants worldwide have Osso Buco on the menu.Its exquisite flavors and luxurious presentation make it a favorite choice for those seeking an elevated dining experience.

• Cultural Appreciation – People all over the world love Italian food, and Osso Buco stands out as a top dish that shows how varied and deep Italian cooking is. This love for Italian food helps make Osso Buco more popular.

• Food Television and Media The rise of food television and culinary publications has introduced audiences to a wide range of dishes, including Osso Buco. Celebrity chefs and cooking shows have played a role in popularizing this classic Italian dish.

• Cooking Enthusiasts Home cooks and cooking enthusiasts enjoy exploring diverse cuisines, and Osso Buco offers a rewarding culinary challenge. Many home chefs have embraced the dish and its variations, sharing their experiences and recipes online.

• Restaurant Menus – You might not see Osso Buco as often as some other Italian dishes, but many Italian restaurants in different countries offer it. People who want a taste of Italy find it an exciting choice.

• Travel and Food Tourism As people travel and explore different cultures, they often seek out authentic local dishes. Osso Buco has become a sought-after delicacy for travelers looking to experience genuine Italian flavors.

• Variations and Adaptations Chefs and home cooks enjoy experimenting with Osso Buco, creating variations that incorporate local ingredients and flavors. This adaptability has helped the dish gain recognition in diverse culinary scenes.

• Special Occasions – People pick Osso Buco for special events and parties because it looks great and has a deep, hearty taste.

Nutritional value

The nutritional content can vary based on specific recipes, portion sizes, and the particular ingredients and their quantities.

Here’s a general breakdown for a typical serving size (around 6 ounces or 170 grams of meat, excluding the bone).

Nutritional Value of Osso Buco (for a 6oz serving)

1. Calories – 300-400 kcal
2. Protein – 25-35g
3. Total Fat – 15-25g
   • Saturated Fat – 5-7g
   • Monounsaturated Fat – 6-10g
   • Polyunsaturated Fat – 1-2g
4. Carbohydrates – 5-15g
   • Sugars – 2-6g (primarily from the tomatoes and any added vegetables)
   • Dietary Fiber – 1-3g (from the vegetables)
5. Cholesterol – 100-150mg
6. Sodium – 300-700mg (depending on the broth and amount of added salt)
7. Potassium – 400-600mg
8. Iron – 1.5-2.5mg
9. Zinc – 4-6mg
10. Vitamin B12 – 1.5-2.5µg

Notes

• Osso Buco is a good source of protein and essential minerals like iron and zinc.
• The dish can be relatively high in fat, depending on the cut of the veal shank and the cooking method.
• It offers a unique nutritional bonus from the bone marrow, which is rich in fats and nutrients.
• The amount of wine, broth, and vegetables used can influence the final nutrient content, especially the sodium levels.

This overview provides a general estimate, and the actual nutritional values can differ based on specific recipes and preparation methods. Always consult with specific recipes or culinary sources for precise nutritional information. If health concerns arise or if one is on a specific diet, consider variations of the dish that adjust ingredient quantities or substitute certain ingredients.

Conclusion

While Osso Buco may not be as universally recognizable as some other Italian classics like spaghetti or lasagna, its reputation as a sophisticated and satisfying dish continues to grow.

People around the world love Italian food, and their interest in trying the best of Italy’s dishes keeps Osso Buco popular. As a result, Osso Buco remains a popular Italian classic with a devoted following around the world.

Buon appetito!

Dishes from Italy