Artificial Delights

Italian Osso Buco with Gremolata and Creamy Polenta

Beef Dishes

This classic Italian dish features tender and flavorful veal shanks cooked in a rich tomato and wine sauce. It’s served with a fresh gremolata and creamy polenta for the ultimate comfort food meal.

Ingredients

For the Osso Buco:

  • 4 veal shanks, about 1 inch thick
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

For the Gremolata:

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp grated lemon zest
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

For the Creamy Polenta:

  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup polenta or cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

For the Osso Buco:

Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper.
Dredge the shanks in flour and shake off any excess.
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
Brown the shanks on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove the shanks from the pot and set aside.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, white wine, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and oregano. Stir well.
Return the veal shanks to the pot and spoon some of the sauce over them.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the oven.
Cook the Osso Buco in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and falling off the bone.

For the Gremolata:

In a small bowl, mix together the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
For the Creamy Polenta:

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
Gradually whisk in the polenta, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the polenta, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes, or until it thickens.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To assemble:

Serve the Osso Buco over a bed of creamy polenta.

Top with a spoonful of gremolata.

This classic Italian dish features tender and flavorful veal shanks cooked in a rich tomato and wine sauce. It’s served with a fresh gremolata and creamy polenta for the ultimate comfort food meal.”

MORE TO DISCOVER