Our market had beautiful looking veal shanks so I decided to try osso bucco
for the first time. Turned out to be quite a bit of work with a
disappointing result. Was there something wrong with the following recipe
or do we just dislike these flavors?
Osso Bucco
2 pounds veal shanks
1 small onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 carrot, minced
1 stalk celery, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
3 tablespoons celery leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
3/4 cup chicken stock
3/4 cup tomato puree
1/4 cup marsala wine
flour
salt & pepper
olive oil
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Season the shanks with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, brown in the
olive oil.
When all the shanks are browned, remove them to an oven-safe pot large
enough to hold in one layer, then add the carrot, celery, onion, and garlic
to the pan in which you browned the shanks.
Cook until the vegetables are softened, then add 1/2 the rosemary, and all
the celery leaves and thyme. Deglaze the pan with the marsala, cook for a
few minutes to reduce, then add the tomato puree and 3/4 of the stock.
Bring the pan to a simmer, then pour over the shanks. If the liquid doesn't
come at least half way up the shanks, add the reserved stock until it does.
Put the shanks in the oven, and cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. After 1 and 1/2
hours, add the rest of the rosemary and continue cooking until the meat is
tender, and the bones come out of the shanks without resistance. Serve over
polenta and sprinkle with a mixture of 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley mixed
with 1 teaspoon shredded lemon peel and 1/4 teaspoon finally chopped garlic.
I followed the directions exactly, and the meat came out very tender but we
just didn't like the flavor of the accompanying sauce. I've checked for
recipes on the web but most of them appear to be very similar to this one
perhaps with a different wine or tomato paste instead of pureed tomatoes.
Most of the recipes I've collected from all of you have been very
successful. I don't think this one came from rfc, but was just one I found
using Google. If you all agree that I made it properly then I'll just
decide never to make Osso Bucco again and certainly won't order it in a
restaurant.
Thanks for your help!