Creamy Braised Veal Shank
Creamy braised veal shanks tenderly cooked in a flavorful broth with herbs and vegetables, perfect for hearty dinners and special occasions that call for rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. veal shanks
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried sage leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 4 small leeks ⓘ
- 3 medium carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 c. whipping cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and black pepper and dredge the veal shanks in this mixture.
- Heat salad oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the veal shanks and brown them on all sides.
- Remove the veal and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté chopped leeks and sliced carrots until tender.
- Return the veal shanks to the pan.
- Add chicken broth, tomato paste, dried rosemary, sage, and basil.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours until the veal is tender.
- Remove the veal shanks and keep warm.
- Stir in whipping cream into the sauce and cook until slightly thickened.
- Serve the veal shanks with the creamy sauce spooned over.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, sear the veal shanks well to develop a rich flavor. If you don't have leeks, you can substitute them with onions for a similar sweetness. Consider adding a splash of white wine after browning the meat for extra depth. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce longer after adding cream. This dish pairs beautifully with Chef Tell'S German Potato Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamy braised veal shank over a bed of mashed potatoes or wide noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad make excellent side dishes. This dish also pairs well with a robust red wine, enhancing the flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, consider serving with German Style Potato Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the veal shanks and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Braised Veal Shank contains roughly 937 calories, with 20g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value), and iron (83% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2100mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute veal shanks with beef shanks or even lamb shanks. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the type of meat, so check for tenderness before serving.
What can I use instead of whipping cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as rich. For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
How do I know when the veal is fully cooked?
The veal should be fork-tender when fully cooked, typically after 2 to 2.5 hours of simmering. You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safety.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).