Succulent Veal Osso Buco with Rich Tomato Herb Sauce
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this exquisite Veal Osso Buco. This classic dish features tender veal shanks simmered to perfection in a rich and aromatic tomato and herb sauce. The combination of fresh vegetables, garlic, and a blend of dried herbs creates a comforting, robust flavor profile. Although it requires a longer cooking time, the process is hands-off, allowing you to enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen. Serve it over creamy polenta, fluffy rice, or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish will surely impress your guests and warm your heart.
2
Servings
390
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (plus 3/4 teaspoon for dredging)
salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (for seasoning)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
veal shanks
4 pieces (bone-in, about 1 1/2 inches thick)
butter
1 tablespoon (for cooking, plus 2 1/4 teaspoons for additional flavor)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking, plus 2 1/4 teaspoons for additional flavor)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped, plus 1 tablespoon for extra flavor)
carrot
1/2 cup (thinly sliced, plus 1 tablespoon for extra flavor)
celery
1/4 cup (chopped, plus 2 teaspoons for extra flavor)
garlic cloves
2 whole (crushed)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (preferably Hunt's)
water
1/2 cup (plus 1 tablespoon for adjusting consistency as needed)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
dried parsley
1 3/4 teaspoons (for seasoning)
bay leaf
1 whole (for flavoring)
Instructions
1
In a shallow dish, combine 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
2
Dredge the veal shanks in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are fully coated.
3
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
4
Once the butter is foamy, add the veal shanks and brown them on all sides, approximately 6-8 minutes total.
5
Remove the browned meat from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
6
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and crushed garlic, stirring well.
7
Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
8
Stir in the tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of water, dried basil, dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf, mixing thoroughly.
9
Return the veal shanks to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
10
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 2 1/2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become fork-tender.
11
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and serve the luscious sauce generously over the veal shanks atop a bed of rice, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy your unforgettable meal!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
25g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Succulent Veal Osso Buco?
It is a classic Italian dish featuring tender veal shanks simmered in a rich tomato and herb sauce until fork-tender.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
This recipe uses bone-in veal shanks, specifically pieces about 1.5 inches thick.
How long does it take to cook the Osso Buco?
The dish requires a simmer time of approximately 2.5 hours to allow the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld.
What should I serve with Veal Osso Buco?
It is best served over creamy polenta, fluffy rice, or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This specific recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What are the primary flavor components?
The dish features a robust flavor profile from tomato sauce, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, and a blend of dried basil, thyme, and parsley.
Do I need to brown the meat first?
Yes, browning the veal shanks in butter and olive oil for 6-8 minutes is crucial for developing deep flavor.
Why is the meat dredged in flour?
Dredging the veal in seasoned flour helps with browning and acts as a natural thickener for the tomato sauce.
What kind of tomato sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, preferably Hunt's.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 390 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 30 grams of protein in each serving of this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, its exquisite flavors and elegant presentation make it perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onions, thinly sliced carrots, and chopped celery.
Which dried herbs are used in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for dried basil, dried thyme, dried parsley, and a whole bay leaf.
Should I remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, once the cooking process is complete, you should remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
What is the total fat content?
The recipe contains 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
Yes, the recipe includes an extra tablespoon of water that can be used to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Is the cooking process difficult?
While it takes time, the process is largely hands-off once the simmering stage begins.
Why use both butter and olive oil?
The combination provides the rich flavor of butter with the higher smoke point and health benefits of olive oil.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 2 whole crushed garlic cloves to infuse the sauce with flavor.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a hearty meal and comfort food due to its rich, warming nature.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, slow-cooked dishes like Osso Buco often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
What is the purpose of the celery in this recipe?
Celery is part of the aromatic vegetable base (mirepoix) that provides a savory depth to the sauce.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a shallow dish for dredging and a large skillet with a lid for browning and simmering.
What is the preparation for the carrots?
The carrots should be thinly sliced before being added to the skillet.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper for initial seasoning.
Is the sauce considered 'luscious'?
Yes, the slow-simmering process creates a thick, flavorful, and luscious sauce.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is specified for the best flavor profile.
How do I know the meat is ready?
The meat is ready when it is 'fork-tender', meaning it easily pulls away from the bone with a fork.