Craving a truly comforting and delicious meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this slow cooker osso buco recipe! Osso buco, meaning "bone with a hole" in Italian, refers to the braised veal shanks that melt-in-your-mouth after a slow and gentle cooking process. This recipe simplifies the classic dish, making it accessible for even the busiest weeknights, resulting in a healthy and flavorful meal perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
- 4 veal shanks (about 1.5 lbs each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Polenta or mashed potatoes, for serving
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Pat the veal shanks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Building Flavor:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the veal shanks on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step enhances the flavor and creates a beautiful sear. Remove the shanks from the skillet and set aside.
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Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
Slow Cooking to Perfection:
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Transfer the vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Add the browned veal shanks, white wine, beef broth, diced tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf.
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Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the veal is incredibly tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
Serving Suggestions:
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Once cooked, remove the veal shanks from the slow cooker and let them rest for a few minutes. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce.
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Shred the meat from the bones and return it to the slow cooker sauce. Discard the bones.
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Serve the osso buco over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Add a tablespoon of butter along with the garlic.
- Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make it a complete meal: Add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini during the last hour of cooking.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or sage.
- Substitute the meat: While traditionally made with veal, you can use beef shanks for a similar delicious result.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a precise calculation, use a nutritional calculator and input your specific ingredients and measurements. However, expect a meal rich in protein and relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and healthy option.
This slow cooker osso buco recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The tender veal, rich sauce, and simple preparation make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this delicious and easy homemade meal!