Creamy Braised Veal Shanks
Creamy braised veal shanks offer tender, flavorful meat with a rich, herb-infused sauce, perfect for comforting dinners and special occasions alike.
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. whipped cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle the veal shanks with flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat salad oil in a heavy Dutch oven.
- Brown the meat slowly in the oil, turning frequently.
- Add chicken broth, tomato paste, rosemary, sage, and basil to the pot.
- Turn the meat to moisten all sides.
- Cover and simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
- After 1 1/2 hours, add chopped leeks and sliced carrots.
- Spoon the juices over the meat and vegetables, and continue cooking until the meat is tender.
- Stir in whipped cream before serving for a creamy finish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the veal shanks overnight in a mixture of the broth, herbs, and spices. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute half of the whipped cream with Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried ones if available, enhancing the dish's aroma. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamy braised veal shanks over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair with a side of sautéed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Or Pork Adobo(Guam) for a delightful dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the veal shanks on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Braised Veal Shanks contains roughly 757 calories, with 18g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value), and iron (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2159mg per serving (94% 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 other types of meat instead of veal shanks?
Yes, you can substitute veal shanks with beef shanks or lamb shanks for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut, so ensure the meat is tender before serving.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove before serving, adding more broth if necessary.
What can I serve as a side dish with this recipe?
For a comforting meal, mashed potatoes or creamy polenta make excellent sides. You could also serve crusty bread to soak up the sauce or a light green salad to add some freshness and contrast to the richness of the dish.
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).