Milanese osso buco

Osso Buco Milanese - An Unforgettable Delicacy

When we think of traditional food, "Osso Buco" is on the list of dishes that not only tantalize our taste buds but also bring us a piece of culinary culture and history. This dish, whose name translates to "bone with a hole," refers to the way the beef is cooked, with the bone included, adding an extra layer of flavor. It is usually accompanied by creamy risotto, but today, I will show you how to prepare it with a side of roasted potatoes – a simple yet delicious choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 4 pieces of beef shank (about 1 kg)
- Flour (to dust the meat)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil (for browning)
- 50 g butter (about the size of a walnut)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 parsnip
- 2 carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3 large tomatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 garlic cloves
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 glass of semi-dry white wine
- 500 ml beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Peppercorns (optional)

Before we start, let’s talk a bit about the ingredients. Beef shank is ideal for this dish due to its connective tissue, which transforms into gelatin during cooking, providing a juicy and tender texture. Using semi-dry white wine adds a layer of complexity to the flavors, while fresh vegetables enrich the dish with nutrients and taste.

Step 1: Preparing the meat
Start by washing the beef shank pieces well, then dry them with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper, then roll each piece in flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off the excess flour; this step is essential for achieving a beautiful crust and preventing lumps in the sauce.

Step 2: Browning the meat
In a cast-iron pot, add the olive oil and butter. Heat over medium heat and add the pieces of meat, browning them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Then, place them on a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add the sliced carrots and parsnip, followed by the diced bell pepper. When the vegetables become slightly soft, add the thinly sliced garlic to enhance the aroma.

Step 4: Deglazing the pot
At the end of the vegetable cooking, pour in the white wine, adding the bay leaves and a few peppercorns. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate.

Step 5: Final cooking
Add the pieces of meat back into the pot, along with the beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 1.5 - 2 hours. It is essential to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Adding the tomatoes
After about an hour of cooking, add the peeled and diced tomatoes, as well as the tomato paste. These will bring an extra acidity and sweetness, balancing the rich flavors of the meat.

Step 7: Finishing and serving
In the end, the meat should be extremely tender, easily pulling away from the bone. Chop the fresh parsley and generously sprinkle it over the dish. Traditionally, "Osso Buco" is served with risotto alla milanese, but the side of roasted potatoes is an excellent choice to savor the succulent sauce.

Personalized variant:
If you want to add a touch of originality, try adding some green olives or capers in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a salty note and Mediterranean flavor.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the meat is at room temperature before cooking to achieve an even browning.
- A delicious variation is to serve the dish with a soft mashed potato that will absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
- If you want to reduce cooking time, you can use a pressure cooker, but the flavors will be richer with the traditional method.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pork instead of beef?
Although Osso Buco is traditionally made with beef, you can try the pork version, but the taste will be different.

2. Can I substitute the white wine?
Yes, you can use red wine or even additional beef stock, but keep in mind that the flavor will be different.

3. What other side dishes pair well with Osso Buco?
Besides risotto and roasted potatoes, you can serve the dish with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a pleasant contrast.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe contains approximately 450 calories per serving, providing quality protein from the meat, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil. It is a balanced meal that can be enjoyed in moderation.

In the end, close your eyes and let yourself be carried away by the aromas of this refined dish. Imagine yourself in the heart of a pizzeria in Milan, savoring a delicious portion of Osso Buco, surrounded by friends and laughter. I invite you to try this recipe at home and share these special moments with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 4 pieces of beef shank, flour, a few tablespoons of olive oil to brown the chops, butter the size of a walnut, 2 onions, 1 parsnip, 2 carrots, 1 red bell pepper, 3 tomatoes, 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 cloves of garlic, fresh parsley, 2-3 bay leaves, 1 glass of semi-dry white wine, about 500 ml of beef broth, salt, ground pepper, whole peppercorns.

 Tags:  osso buco