Osso buco, a classic Italian dish, translates to “bone with a hole,” aptly describing the cross-cut of meat with a marrow-filled bone at its center. This hearty and flavorful dish typically features veal shanks, but other cuts like beef shank can also be used.
Osso Bucco: A Culinary History
Osso buco originated in Milan, Italy, where it has been a beloved dish for centuries. Traditionally made with veal shanks, the dish is characterized by its slow-braised cooking method, which results in tender and flavorful meat. The bone marrow adds richness and depth to the sauce, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
What Cut of Meat is Veal Osso Buco?
Veal osso buco is made from the veal shank, the lower leg of a young calf. This cut is rich in connective tissue, which breaks down during the slow-braising process, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat. The bone marrow adds a luxurious richness to the dish, making it a truly special treat.
Osso Bucco: Beyond Veal
While veal is the traditional choice for osso buco, other cuts of meat can also be used. Beef shank, with its similar texture and flavor profile, is a popular alternative. Lamb shanks can also be used, offering a slightly gamier flavor. Regardless of the meat used, the slow-braising technique remains essential for achieving the classic osso buco experience.
Osso Bucco: A Culinary Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, osso buco is a dish that is sure to impress. The slow-braising process allows for hands-off cooking, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight meal or a special occasion. The rich and flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes, from creamy polenta to crusty bread.
Osso Bucco: A Recipe for Success
Here’s a simple osso buco recipe that you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds veal or beef shanks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup white wine or white grape juice
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into thick rounds
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Season the meat with salt and pepper, and dredge in flour. Shake off any excess.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Add the meat and brown in the hot butter for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the browned meat to a slow cooker.
- Add the white wine or grape juice to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the tomatoes, celery, onion, carrots, thyme, and garlic to the skillet.
- Pour the contents of the skillet into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Transfer the meat to a platter and cover to keep warm.
- Pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a skillet and simmer over medium heat until reduced to about 2 cups. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine the parsley, lemon zest, and garlic to make a gremolata garnish.
- Serve the osso buco topped with sauce and gremolata.
Osso Bucco: A Culinary Legacy
Osso buco is a testament to the Italian tradition of slow cooking and rich flavors. This dish is a culinary journey that takes you from the heart of Milan to your own kitchen, offering a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on your own osso buco adventure.
What Is Special About Osso Bucco?
A unique cut of beef called osso bucco is high in bone marrow and connective tissues. This is what distinguishes it from other beef cuts with its distinctive richness and mouthfeel.
Osso Bucco can be served in many different ways. It is commonly braised with vegetables and white wine, but it can also be grilled, roasted, or stewed. No matter how you cook it, Osso Bucco is a delicious and hearty meal that will satisfy any appetite.
Is Osso Bucco Beef Shank?
Osso Bucco is a cross-cut of meat from the lower leg of a cow, known as a beef shank. Additionally, Beef Osso Busso has a bone with marrow in the middle.
Although veal or beef can be used to make Osso Bucco, beef is more frequently used because it is more readily available and less expensive than veal. Beef also has a more intense flavor.
The Famous Italian OSSO BUCO – for Family or Holiday Dinner. Recipe by Always Yummy!
FAQ
What cut of meat is veal osso bucco?
What is a good substitute for veal osso bucco?
Is beef osso buco the same as veal osso buco?
Why is osso buco so expensive?
What meat is used to make osso bucco?
Osso Bucco is a classic Italian dish that has been popular for generations. The dish is made with beef, veal or pork shanks, and is usually served with a rich tomato sauce. Although it is a relatively simple dish to prepare, many people are still unsure about the exact cut of meat that is used to make Osso Bucco.
Is osso buco beef or veal?
Fellow Aussies have probably observed beef “Osso Buco” sold at supermarkets – in fact, beef is more commonly found than veal. At least, during winter. Though Osso Buco is traditionally made with veal, this really is fab made with beef too. The meat flavour will be stronger because veal has a more delicate, sweeter flavour.
What is osso bucco?
Osso Bucco, a classic Italian dish, is typically made with veal shanks. However, there are variations of this dish in regional Italian cuisines that use different types of meat such as beef, pork, and chicken. The combination of meat, vegetables, and broth creates a delicious, hearty meal that is perfect for cold weather.
Is osso buco worth the wait?
And the wait is MORE than worth it! What is Osso Buco? Also spelled ossocbuco, the name is Italian for “bone with a hole” ( osso “bone”, buco “hole”), referring to the cut of meat used in this dish: cross-cut meat shank with a marrow hole at the center.