BRAISED VEAL SHANKS (Osso Bucco)

SERVES 4

If you like veal and you have never tried Osso Bucco, you really should. It takes some time to cook, but is well worth the wait. Part of the attraction of the dish is the marrow found in the bones. Although very rich, it is a special treat. Traditionally, Osso Bucco is served with a Gremolata, which is a combination of chopped parsley, garlic and lemon zest that is added to the dish at the very end. I have included that in the recipe, but I don't always use it.

INGREDIENTS

4 veal shanks, about 1 pound each

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1/2 green pepper, chopped

1/2 red pepper, chopped

4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 cup dry white wine

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 can (14.5 ounces) low-salt chicken broth

1 can (14.5 ounces) whole tomatoes, crushed with fingers, with juices

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

1-1/2 tablespoons parsley (can be omitted if using the gremolata)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Gremolata

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

Preheat oven to 350° F. Season the shanks with salt and pepper. Dust lightly with the flour. Heat an ovenproof sauté large enough to hold the shanks in one layer over high heat. Add the olive oil and heat. Add the shanks and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and reduce heat to medium-high. Place the onions, carrots, celery and peppers in the pan. Sauté until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté one more minute. Pour in the wine and broth. Return heat to high and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the lemon juice, tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, marjoram, the 1-1/2 tablespoons of parsley and additional salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, until reduced by about one-third. (There should be enough liquid to come about half way up the sides of the shanks.) Return the shanks, and any accumulated juices, to the pan. Cover tightly and place in oven. Cook until the meat is very tender and starting to fall off the bones, 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Remove the shanks from the pan. Cook the sauce over high heat until reduced as desired. Mix together the Gremolata ingredients; add to the sauce and stir well to combine. Serve the shanks, spooning some sauce over each.

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