Beef Shank Osso Buco

"Ossobuco," literally “a bone with a hole,” is a wonderful Italian dish typically made with veal shanks. The hole in the bone of the veal or beef shank is filled with delicious bone marrow, which adds amazing flavor to this slowly cooked dish and is a wonderful treat to scoop out and savor.

Veal is not readily available in all markets; however, this dish can also be made with beef shanks, which are more easily found. The recipe I use is a traditional Milanese recipe that requires only butter, white wine, chicken stock, and tomatoes. The key is to serve this simple braise with Gremolata, that flavorful mixture of chopped fresh parsley, garlic, and lemon zest.

First the shanks are browned on the cooktop in a wide, shallow, oven-safe pan. Once browned, the wine is added and reduced; then the tomatoes are added, and after a further reduction, the stock is added; the dish is covered and placed in the oven for 1 ½ - 2 hours. It’s such a simple preparation but so flavorful. Using convection does not reduce the cooking time. However, the circulating convection heat is ideal for maintaining a consistent level of heat in the pan, and you can also cook another dish at the same time if needed.

Osso Buco is typically served with Risotto Milanese, which can also be cooked in a covered pan or uncovered in a steam oven. 

INGREDIENTS

4 pieces beef or veal shank about 1” thick

3 oz unsalted butter

½  cup dry white wine

½ cup chicken stock

1 28-oz can of whole peeled tomatoes

For the Gremolata

¼ cup Italian parsley, finely chopped

1 large clove garlic, finely minced

1 lemon zest only

PREPARATION

Heat the oven in the Convection or Convection Bake mode to 325 F/ 160 C.

Heat a wide, shallow oven-safe pan with a tight-fitting lid over moderate heat. Add the butter, and when sizzling, place the shanks into the pan. Cook over moderate heat until evenly browned, then gently turn the shanks over and brown the other side. Handle the shanks gently to avoid the marrow falling out of the bone. Once both sides are browned, add the wine to the pan, lower the heat, and reduce for 8 - 10 minutes. 

Add the tomatoes, crushing them in your fingers as you add them to the pan. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes over medium heat until they reduce slightly, then add the stock. Cover the pan and place it in the oven. Cook for 1 ½ - 2 hours until the meat is tender and ready to fall off the bone.

Meanwhile, combine the finely minced parsley, garlic, and lemon zest and set aside. Serve the Osso Buco over risotto or polenta with a generous garnish of the Gremolata.

Serves 4