Veal Shank, Milanese-Style(Ossobuco Ala Milanese)
Ossobuco alla Milanese features tender veal shanks braised with aromatic vegetables, white wine, and a hint of citrus, resulting in a rich, flavorful dish. Perfect for special occasions or hearty family dinners, its deep flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture appeal to meat lovers and those seeking authentic Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 6 slices veal shank (each 1 1/2-inches)
- 8 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1/3 c flour ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 carrot, chopped ⓘ
- 1 rib celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chopped marjoram ⓘ
- 1 small piece lemon peel ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- white pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 c dry white wine ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 to 1/2 c veal stock
- 1 tsp fresh grated lemon peel ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet that can comfortably hold the veal shanks without crowding.
- Roll the veal shank slices in flour and brown them on both sides in the skillet over moderate heat.
- Add chopped carrot, onion, celery, half the garlic, chopped marjoram, and lemon peel to the skillet, then season with salt and white pepper.
- Cook until vegetables are softened and veal is browned on all sides.
- Pour in the dry white wine and cook until it reduces slightly.
- Add peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes, then pour in veal stock as needed.
- Simmer gently, covered, until the veal is tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Stir in fresh grated lemon peel and orange juice before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar during cooking. If veal stock is unavailable, chicken stock can be a suitable substitute, though it will alter the dish's flavor slightly. Ensure not to rush the browning process, as this adds depth to the overall taste. Additionally, you could use dried marjoram if fresh is not available, but reduce the quantity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve ossobuco with a side of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh gremolata made with lemon zest, garlic, and parsley sprinkled on top adds brightness. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of dry white wine, enhancing its rich flavors. For a complete meal, consider offering a light salad or Italian bread on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock to prevent drying out. This dish also benefits from resting, so allowing it to sit for a few hours enhances the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Veal Shank, Milanese-Style(Ossobuco Ala Milanese) contains roughly 838 calories, with 10g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (108% of the Daily Value), and iron (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 792mg per serving (34% 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 cuts of meat for this recipe?
While veal shank is traditional for ossobuco, you can substitute with beef shank or lamb shank if desired. Just be aware that cooking times may vary based on the cut used, so adjust accordingly to ensure tenderness.
Is it necessary to use wine in this dish?
While wine adds depth to the flavor, if you prefer not to use it, you can substitute with additional veal stock or broth. Just keep in mind that it may alter the final taste slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.
What is the best way to serve ossobuco?
Ossobuco is best served with its sauce spooned over the meat, often accompanied by a side of creamy polenta or risotto. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a gremolata enhances the dish beautifully, bringing freshness to the rich flavors. Explore more Italian recipes for complementary sides.
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).