Classic Italian Osso Buco di Manzo for Two
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of this Classic Italian Osso Buco di Manzo for Two. Perfectly braised beef shanks are cooked slowly with aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and a splash of red wine, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Ideal for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is traditionally served with a side of creamy risotto or polenta, but feel free to pair it with a Caesar salad, garlic bread, and roasted potatoes to make it your own. Don't forget to savor a glass of the leftover wine while you enjoy this exquisite meal with your loved one!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
4 teaspoons (none)
beef shanks
2 (rubbed with French dry rub)
French dry rub
4 teaspoons (rubbed onto beef shanks)
celery
2 stalks (sliced 1/4 inch thick)
carrots
4 medium (sliced 1/4 inch thick)
onion
1 large (sliced into thin wedges)
roma tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (mushed up or use 6 chopped fresh tomatoes (if in season))
dry red wine
1/2 bottle (drink the rest)
beef broth
1 can (none)
black pepper
to taste (fresh cracked)
rosemary
2 sprigs (stripped leaves only)
thyme
2 sprigs (stripped leaves only)
Instructions
1
Prep Time: 4 hours before cooking or ideally the night before, rub the French dry rub generously into the beef shanks on both sides, ensuring an even coating. Wrap the shanks in cling film and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
2
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef shanks and sear them on both sides until they are browned and caramelized, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the shanks and set aside.
3
Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Cook these aromatic vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften.
4
Next, add the can of crushed roma tomatoes (or chopped fresh tomatoes), beef broth, red wine, freshly cracked black pepper, and the stripped leaves of rosemary and thyme into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the Osso Buco simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
6
Once cooked, carefully remove the beef shanks and vegetables from the pot, placing them on individual serving plates. Increase the heat to high and let the remaining liquid reduce for about 5-10 minutes until thickened.
7
Pour the reduced sauce over the beef shanks and vegetables. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, enjoying with a glass of the remaining red wine.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Italian Osso Buco di Manzo for Two?
It is a dish of braised beef shanks slowly cooked with aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, and red wine.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is specifically portioned for two people.
How long should the beef be prepared before cooking?
The beef shanks should be rubbed with dry rub 4 hours before cooking or ideally the night before.
How should the dry rub be applied?
Rub the French dry rub generously into both sides of the beef shanks for an even coating.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven and sear the beef shanks until they are browned and caramelized.
How long do you sear the beef shanks?
Sear them for approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
What kind of pot is recommended for this recipe?
A large Dutch oven is the recommended vessel for this slow-cooked dish.
Which vegetables are used in the aromatic base?
The recipe uses sliced carrots, celery, and one large onion.
How should the carrots and celery be sliced?
Both should be sliced approximately 1/4 inch thick.
How is the onion prepared for the recipe?
The onion should be sliced into thin wedges.
How long should the aromatic vegetables be cooked?
Cook them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can substitute 6 chopped fresh tomatoes for the 14-ounce can of crushed roma tomatoes.
How much red wine is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 a bottle of dry red wine.
What type of broth is needed?
The recipe calls for one can of beef broth.
What fresh herbs are included in the Osso Buco?
Fresh rosemary and thyme are used for flavor.
How do I prepare the herbs?
Use only the stripped leaves of the rosemary and thyme sprigs.
How long does the beef need to simmer?
The beef should simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
The beef shanks are ready when they are fork-tender.
How is the sauce thickened after cooking?
Remove the meat and vegetables and boil the remaining liquid for 5-10 minutes until reduced.
What are the traditional side dishes for this meal?
It is traditionally served with creamy risotto or polenta.
What are some non-traditional side dish suggestions?
You can pair it with Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted potatoes.
What should be done with the leftover wine?
The leftover wine is intended to be enjoyed as a drink with the meal.
How much olive oil is used for searing?
The recipe requires 4 teaspoons of olive oil.
What kind of pepper is used for seasoning?
Freshly cracked black pepper is added to taste.
Do you cover the pot while simmering?
Yes, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce to a gentle simmer.
Is this dish suitable for a romantic occasion?
Yes, it is described as ideal for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in.
How many beef shanks are included?
The recipe uses two beef shanks.
How should the beef be stored after applying the rub?
Wrap the shanks in cling film and refrigerate them.
What is the desired final texture of the meat?
The goal is a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
What is the specific name of the dry rub used?
The recipe uses a French dry rub.