Osso Bucco
Osso Bucco features tender veal shanks braised with aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and white wine, creating a rich, flavorful dish with a hearty texture. Perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners, its savory profile and melt-in-your-mouth quality make it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy robust, Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In an 8-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, pour in olive oil. Cook veal, a few pieces at a time, until well browned on all sides.
- In the drippings over medium heat, cook onion, celery, carrots, and garlic until browned and tender.
- Return veal to the Dutch oven. Add tomatoes, salt, basil, pepper, bay leaf, and white wine. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until veal is tender, stirring occasionally.
- When the veal is done, skim off excess fat.
- Stir in minced parsley and lemon peel.
- Serve hot with rice and green beans.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest along with the parsley at the end. If you don’t have veal shanks, beef shanks can be used as a substitute, though the cooking time may vary slightly. To enhance the dish, try adding a pinch of saffron or a teaspoon of orange zest for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Osso Bucco is traditionally served with risotto or polenta, which soak up the delicious sauce. It also pairs beautifully with green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For an Italian twist, serve it alongside a side of Spaghetti - Italian Sauce to complement the flavors, making it a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Osso Bucco can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Osso Bucco contains roughly 330 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1351mg per serving (59% 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 Osso Bucco?
Yes, while traditional Osso Bucco is made with veal shanks, you can use pork or beef shanks as alternatives. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary based on the meat's tenderness, so adjust accordingly.
What should I serve with Osso Bucco?
Osso Bucco is often accompanied by creamy risotto or polenta, which absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Can I make Osso Bucco ahead of time?
Absolutely! Osso Bucco can be made a day in advance, as the flavors deepen and improve overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator once cooled, and reheat gently before serving. This makes it a great option for entertaining or busy weeknights.
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).