Veal Shank Osso Buco
Bos taurusClinical Encyclopedia
Osso buco is a traditional Italian dish made with veal shank, known for its rich flavor and tender meat. It is often braised with vegetables, white wine, and broth, resulting in a hearty and nutritious meal.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Best prepared by slow-braising to enhance tenderness and flavor. Serve with gremolata for added freshness.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose veal shank that is bright pink with a good amount of marbling and a bone with marrow. Avoid any meat that looks dull or has an off smell.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Myths vs Realities
MythOsso buco is only made with veal.+
MythOsso buco is unhealthy due to its fat content.+
MythYou can't make osso buco without a special pot.+
Healthy Recipes
Mediterranean Veal Shank Osso Buco
This Mediterranean-inspired Osso Buco features tender veal shanks slow-cooked with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and olives for a vibrant, healthy dish.
- 4 veal shank osso buco pieces (about 1.5 inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season veal shanks with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides.
- 2. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot, sautéing until softened.
- 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, olives, and oregano. Cover and simmer for 2 hours until veal is tender.
Osso Buco with Quinoa and Spinach
A nutritious twist on classic Osso Buco, served over a bed of protein-rich quinoa and sautéed spinach for a wholesome meal.
- 4 veal shank osso buco pieces
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- 2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté spinach until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- 3. Serve the braised osso buco over quinoa, topped with sautéed spinach.
Asian-Inspired Osso Buco with Bok Choy
This Asian-inspired Osso Buco is braised with ginger, soy sauce, and served with steamed bok choy for a light, flavorful dish.
- 4 veal shank osso buco pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 bok choy, halved
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
- 1. In a pot, combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and beef broth. Add veal shanks and simmer for 2 hours.
- 2. Steam bok choy until tender, about 5 minutes.
- 3. Serve osso buco garnished with green onions and alongside steamed bok choy.
Osso Buco with Cauliflower Mash
A healthy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, this dish features creamy cauliflower mash paired with tender osso buco.
- 4 veal shank osso buco pieces
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-fat milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 1. Braised osso buco in a pot with your choice of broth until tender, about 2 hours.
- 2. Steam cauliflower until soft, then blend with olive oil, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 3. Serve osso buco over cauliflower mash, garnished with fresh parsley.
Spicy Osso Buco with Chickpeas
This spicy version of Osso Buco incorporates chickpeas for added protein and fiber, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
- 4 veal shank osso buco pieces
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Brown veal shanks in a pot, then remove and set aside.
- 2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, then add chickpeas, chili powder, tomatoes, and broth.
- 3. Return osso buco to the pot, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
Herb-Crusted Osso Buco with Roasted Vegetables
This dish features herb-crusted osso buco served with a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal.
- 4 veal shank osso buco pieces
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup mixed herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), chopped
- 2 cups assorted vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush osso buco with Dijon mustard and coat with mixed herbs.
- 2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet.
- 3. Place osso buco on top of vegetables and roast for 1.5 hours.
Osso Buco with Lentil Salad
This dish pairs tender osso buco with a refreshing lentil salad, providing a balance of protein and fiber for a healthy meal.
- 4 veal shank osso buco pieces
- 1 cup green lentils, cooked
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Braised osso buco in a pot until tender, about 2 hours.
- 2. In a bowl, combine cooked lentils, cucumber, bell pepper, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Serve osso buco alongside lentil salad.
Italian Osso Buco with Whole Wheat Polenta
This Italian classic features osso buco served with creamy whole wheat polenta, offering a wholesome and satisfying dish.
- 4 veal shank osso buco pieces
- 1 cup whole wheat polenta
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot, then add osso buco and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 2 hours.
- 2. In another pot, bring water or broth to a boil, then whisk in polenta. Cook until thickened.
- 3. Serve osso buco over polenta.
Osso Buco with Sweet Potato Mash
A healthy take on comfort food, this dish features osso buco served over creamy sweet potato mash for a nutritious twist.
- 4 veal shank osso buco pieces
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-fat milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives for garnish
- 1. Braised osso buco in a pot until tender, about 2 hours.
- 2. Boil sweet potatoes until soft, then mash with olive oil, milk, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Serve osso buco over sweet potato mash, garnished with chives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is osso buco?
Osso buco is a traditional Italian dish made from braised veal shank, typically served with a gremolata topping.
How should osso buco be cooked?
It is best cooked slowly in a braise with vegetables, broth, and wine to ensure tenderness.
What does osso buco taste like?
Osso buco has a rich, savory flavor with tender meat and a unique taste from the marrow.
Can osso buco be made with other meats?
Yes, while traditionally made with veal, it can also be prepared with pork or lamb.
What is the nutritional value of osso buco?
Osso buco is high in protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals, but it is also high in fat.
How do you serve osso buco?
It is typically served with risotto or polenta and garnished with gremolata.
Is osso buco healthy?
In moderation, osso buco can be part of a healthy diet due to its nutrient content, but be mindful of portion sizes.
What is gremolata?
Gremolata is a condiment made from lemon zest, garlic, and parsley, often served with osso buco for added flavor.