Hearty Ina Garten Osso Buco Recipe with Rich Sauce

Simmering osso buco transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that dances across your palate with Mediterranean grace.

This legendary Milanese classic whispers stories of generations past through its rich, velvety sauce.

Tender veal shanks melt into a luxurious medley of herbs and vegetables, creating pure comfort on a plate.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the dish reveals layers of complexity that seduce even the most discerning food lover.

Regional Italian traditions breathe life into every spoonful, connecting you with centuries of gastronomic wisdom.

Each morsel promises a journey through robust flavors and time-honored techniques.

You’ll fall in love with this soul-warming delicacy that turns a simple meal into an unforgettable experience.

Tips for Keeping Ina Garten Osso Buco Recipe Fresh

• Preserve Deliciousness: Store leftover osso buco in airtight containers, keeping the meat submerged in sauce to prevent drying. Refrigerated portions stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining incredible flavor and tenderness.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Carefully transfer cooled osso buco into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Sealed portions will maintain premium quality for up to 2 months, ready for quick reheating.
• Reheat with Gentle Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed osso buco slowly in covered pot over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent meat from becoming tough. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare entire recipe ahead of time and portion into individual servings. Weeknight dinners become effortless with pre-made, restaurant-quality meals waiting in your refrigerator or freezer.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Ina Garten Osso Buco Recipe

• Veal Shanks: Choose thick-cut, well-marbled shanks with rich pink color for maximum tenderness.
• Kitchen Twine: Select sturdy, food-safe twine to maintain shank shape during cooking.

• Rosemary Sprig: Pick fresh, vibrant green sprigs with robust fragrance.
• Thyme Sprig: Look for bright green leaves without wilting or browning.
• Dry Bay Leaf: Select whole, intact leaves with deep green color and strong herbal scent.
• Whole Cloves: Choose plump, dark brown cloves with intense, warm aroma.

• Onion, Carrot, Celery: Select fresh, firm vegetables with crisp texture and no blemishes.
• Sea Salt: Opt for coarse, pure crystals without additives.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Use whole peppercorns for maximum flavor intensity.
• All-Purpose Flour: Choose finely milled, unbleached flour for smooth coating.
• Vegetable Oil: Select neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.

• Dry White Wine: Pick crisp, acidic wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Tomato Paste: Choose rich, concentrated paste in glass or tube packaging.
• Chicken Stock: Use low-sodium, high-quality stock for deeper flavor profile.

What Tools to Use for Ina Garten Osso Buco Recipe

• Dutch Oven: Heavy-bottomed pot perfect for even heat distribution and slow cooking.
• Kitchen Twine: Essential for securing herb bundle and tying veal shanks to maintain shape.
• Cheesecloth: Lightweight fabric for creating compact herb bundle, allowing flavors to infuse.
• Paper Towels: Used to thoroughly dry veal shanks before seasoning and searing.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise dicing of onions, carrots, and celery.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and scraping bottom of pot while building sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately season meat with salt and pepper.
• Large Serving Platter: Provides elegant surface for presenting braised veal shanks.
• Tongs: Perfect for carefully turning and handling meat during searing and braising process.

How to Cook Ina Garten Osso Buco Recipe at Home

• Craft Aromatic Herb Pouch

Gather a mix of fragrant herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bundle these together in a soft cloth, securing tightly with kitchen string. This magical flavor packet will infuse your dish with incredible depth.

• Prepare Succulent Meat

Pat veal shanks completely dry with clean towels. Wrap each piece with kitchen string to help maintain its beautiful shape. Generously sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. Lightly dust with flour, allowing excess to fall away.

• Sear and Caramelize

Heat oil in a heavy cooking pot until it’s sizzling hot. Gently place seasoned shanks into the pan, creating a gorgeous golden crust on each side. This step locks in rich, intense flavors. Remove meat and set aside.

• Build Flavor Foundation

In the same pot, sauté a classic vegetable blend of onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. This aromatic base will create incredible depth in your sauce.

• Create Luxurious Sauce

Add a dollop of tomato paste and splash of crisp white wine. Let the liquid reduce by half, concentrating the flavors into a rich, velvety sauce.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Return shanks to the pot. Drop in your herb bundle and pour in chicken stock. Bring to a gentle simmer, covering and letting the meat become incredibly tender. Check periodically, turning shanks and adding liquid to maintain moisture.

• Serve with Elegance

Transfer the mouthwatering shanks to a beautiful serving platter. Remove string and herb bundle. Drizzle the luxurious sauce over the meat, creating a stunning final presentation that will impress everyone at the table.

Ideas to Modify Ina Garten Osso Buco Recipe

Replace veal shanks with tender beef or pork shanks for a budget-friendly alternative that delivers similar rich flavor profiles.

Choose a crisp Italian pinot grigio or dry chardonnay to enhance the sauce’s depth, avoiding overly sweet wine options that could disrupt the delicate balance.

Serve atop creamy saffron risotto, polenta with parmesan, or herbed mashed potatoes to soak up the luxurious braising liquid.

Control cooking temperature between 325-350°F to guarantee meat falls effortlessly off the bone without becoming tough or dry.

Creative Ways to Serve Ina Garten Osso Buco Recipe

• Elevate Your Dining Experience: Pair this luxurious veal shank dish with creamy polenta or soft mashed potatoes to soak up the rich, aromatic sauce.
• Create Rustic Elegance: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or gremolata over the top for a bright, zesty garnish that adds color and freshness to the deep, caramelized meat.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a robust red wine like Barolo or Chianti Classico to complement the deep, complex flavors of the braised veal shanks and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Seasonal Side Symphony: Roast seasonal vegetables like baby carrots or Brussels sprouts alongside the dish to create a complete, hearty meal that celebrates local and fresh ingredients.

Rustic Ina Garten Osso Buco Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic Ina Garten osso buco promises rich, tender veal braised in white wine and aromatic vegetables. Hearty Italian comfort delivers deep flavors you’ll savor with crusty bread and warm memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 veal shanks (1 lb/454 g per shank), trimmed
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) dry white wine
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken stock
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsps fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 dry bay leaf
• 2 whole cloves
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• All-purpose flour, for dredging
• Cheesecloth
• Kitchen twine

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Instructions

1. Prepare Bouquet Garni: Craft a flavor bundle using rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and cloves within cheesecloth, securing tightly with kitchen twine.
2. Prepare Veal Shanks: Pat veal shanks dry, stabilize with twine, season with salt and pepper, then lightly dust with flour, shaking off excess.
3. Sear Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven until smoking. Brown veal shanks on all sides for 3 minutes per side, creating a rich golden crust. Remove and set aside.
4. Create Vegetable Base: In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt until soft and translucent. Add tomato paste and stir thoroughly.
5. Deglaze and Build Liquid: Pour white wine into the vegetable mixture, reducing by half. Return seared shanks to the pot, nestling the bouquet garni among the meat.
6. Slow Cook: Add chicken stock, bringing to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer covered for 1½ hours, occasionally turning shanks and maintaining liquid level. Cook until meat becomes incredibly tender and nearly falling off the bone.
7. Finish and Serve: Carefully transfer shanks to a serving platter. Remove twine and bouquet garni. Drizzle cooking liquid over the meat, garnishing with freshly chopped Italian parsley and bright lemon zest for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Boost Browning Power: Pat veal shanks completely dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior, which locks in incredible flavor and creates a delicious crispy crust.
• Twine Technique: Use kitchen twine to secure meat around the bone, helping shanks maintain their shape during cooking and ensuring even, consistent heat distribution.
• Liquid Level Magic: Maintain cooking liquid at three-quarters of the shank height throughout simmering to prevent drying out and guarantee melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.
• Herb Bundle Secret: Create a bouquet garni with rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and cloves to infuse deep, complex flavors without leaving herb bits throughout the sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg