Description
Simple Ossobuco with Roasted Bread is a comforting, rustic Italian dish with tender, braised beef shanks simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Paired with crispy roasted bread, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
2 beef shanks (ossobuco cut, bone-in)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 cup beef stock
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
4 slices rustic bread or sourdough
Olive oil for brushing
Garlic clove for rubbing (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Beef Shanks: Season the beef shanks with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef shanks for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Deglaze: Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add beef stock to deglaze, scraping up brown bits from the pot.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef stock, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a simmer.
- Braise the Beef: Return the beef shanks to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-2.5 hours, or until fork-tender.
- Roast the Bread: Brush rustic bread slices with olive oil and roast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. Optionally rub with a cut garlic clove for extra flavor.
- Serve: Once the ossobuco is done, remove beef shanks and serve with sauce and vegetables. Garnish with fresh chives. Serve alongside the roasted bread.
Notes
For a more traditional version, use veal shanks instead of beef.
Add rosemary or bay leaves during braising for extra flavor.
Serve with creamy polenta or risotto for a richer side dish.
For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
