Ossobuco Recipe: Italian Comfort Food With Mashed Potatoes

Hey guys! Craving some seriously comforting and delicious Italian food? Then you've gotta try this ossobuco con pure di patate! Ossobuco, which translates to "bone with a hole," is a Milanese specialty featuring braised veal shanks. The star of the show is the marrow inside the bone, which becomes incredibly rich and flavorful during the slow cooking process. When paired with creamy mashed potatoes (pure di patate), it's a match made in culinary heaven. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something truly satisfying. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic Italian masterpiece!

What Makes Ossobuco So Special?

So, what exactly makes ossobuco so darn special? Well, it all starts with the veal shanks. These cuts of meat are incredibly flavorful, thanks to the bone marrow and the surrounding connective tissues. When slow-braised, these tissues break down, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a deeply rich sauce. The traditional recipe calls for gremolata, a vibrant garnish made with lemon zest, parsley, and garlic, which adds a burst of freshness and acidity to balance the richness of the meat. And let's not forget the wine! A good dry white wine is essential for deglazing the pan and adding another layer of complexity to the sauce. When you combine all these elements, you get a dish that is both incredibly flavorful and incredibly comforting.

The beauty of ossobuco lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. It's a dish that truly celebrates the art of slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld and develop over time. The result is a tender, succulent piece of veal that falls off the bone, surrounded by a rich and flavorful sauce that is perfect for spooning over creamy mashed potatoes or risotto. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, ossobuco is a dish that is sure to impress. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers away is enough to make anyone's mouth water. Plus, it's a fantastic dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors only get better with time. So, gather your ingredients, put on some Italian music, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Milan!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need. Don't worry, most of them are pantry staples, and the rest can be easily found at your local grocery store.

For the Ossobuco:

• 4 veal shanks, about 1 1/2 inches thick
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 sprig fresh thyme

For the Gremolata:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste

Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, there's nothing worse than realizing you're missing an ingredient halfway through a recipe! So, double-check your list and let's get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get down to business and walk through the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious ossobuco con pure di patate. Don't be intimidated by the long list of ingredients – the process is actually quite simple and straightforward.

1. Prepare the Veal Shanks: Season the veal shanks generously with salt and pepper. Dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess. This will help create a nice crust and thicken the sauce. Set them aside.
2. Sear the Veal: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the veal shanks on all sides until golden brown. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don't rush it! Remove the veal shanks from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. These aromatics will form the base of your delicious sauce.
4. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where all the flavor is! Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
6. Braise the Ossobuco: Return the veal shanks to the pot, making sure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the veal is very tender and falling off the bone.
7. Make the Gremolata: While the ossobuco is braising, prepare the gremolata by combining the parsley, lemon zest, and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.
8. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the ossobuco is braising, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
9. Serve: Once the ossobuco is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Discard the bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme sprig. Serve the ossobuco over the mashed potatoes, spooning the sauce over the top. Sprinkle generously with gremolata.

And there you have it! Delicious, comforting ossobuco con pure di patate. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Want to take your ossobuco to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Use Bone-In Beef Shanks: If you can't find veal shanks, you can use bone-in beef shanks instead. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the braise, such as mushrooms or parsnips. They will add even more depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the braise, such as sage or oregano.
• Make it in a Slow Cooker: You can also make ossobuco in a slow cooker. Sear the veal shanks as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the vegetables and remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the veal is very tender.
• Serve with Risotto: Instead of mashed potatoes, try serving ossobuco with creamy risotto. It's a classic pairing that is sure to impress.
• Make it Ahead: Ossobuco is a great dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors only get better with time. Simply refrigerate it overnight and reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Ossobuco con pure di patate is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Start with an Appetizer: Begin your meal with a simple salad or a plate of antipasti.
• Add a Side Dish: Serve ossobuco with a side of roasted vegetables or a crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Pair with Wine: Pair your ossobuco with a dry red wine, such as a Chianti or a Barolo.
• Finish with Dessert: End your meal with a classic Italian dessert, such as tiramisu or panna cotta.

Enjoy Your Homemade Ossobuco!

So there you have it, folks! A complete guide to making ossobuco con pure di patate that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This isn't just a recipe; it's an experience, a journey of flavors that culminates in a deeply satisfying and comforting meal. From the initial searing of the veal shanks to the final sprinkle of gremolata, each step is a labor of love that pays off in the form of tender, flavorful meat and a rich, complex sauce.

Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Add your favorite vegetables, try different herbs, or serve it with a unique side dish. The possibilities are endless! And remember, the most important ingredient is love. Cook with passion and enjoy the process, and you're sure to create a dish that your family and friends will rave about.

So, gather your ingredients, put on some Italian music, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. Buon appetito!