Meat main dishes

Ossobuco

⏱ 90 min🍳 60 min👤 2 pp★★★☆☆

Ossobuco, especially when served with a saffron risotto, is a symbol of the culinary tradition of Milan and of Italy in general. Today our chef teaches us how to make it to perfection. There are numerous elements to making an excellent ossobuco, and so there are many different versions and interpretations of this fabulous meat main course. In general, however, the principal two pieces of advice are these: buy the best quality meat cuts and take great care when making the finely chopped garnish of lemon, garlic and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
52g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
28g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
90 minutes Preparation time
60 minutes Cooking time
Serves 2 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Salt the ossobuco cuts with sea salt and then sprinkle with the flour. Heat some oil in a pan with high sides and brown the meat. Cut the onion into thick slices and the carrots into rounds. Turn the meat over and add the vegetables, then add a little stock and cover the pan. Cook for an hour over a low heat, adding stock if necessary. When ready, serve with a generous sprinkling of grated lemon zest and, if you like, with a classic risotto Milanese.

Tips
To make a proper ossobucco, buy only the rear part of the tibia of the calf.
Trivia
Ossobuco is one of those recipes that has made history in Italian gastronomy, and is one of the most loved, cooked and imitated all over the world. Its story seems to be a relatively recent one, dating back to the 1800s, but its reputation is beyond question. This is because it is a relatively cheap dish, it’s good for you, not very difficult to make, and above all it is a meal in itself, especially when served with a risotto or polenta. So this is a dish for the whole family, and is most likely well-known abroad because it was taken there with Italian emigrant families. In 1891 the famous chef Pellegrino Artusi included the recipe in his famous cookery book ‘Kitchen Science and the Art of Eating Well’.

Step by step

Ossobuco
Ossobuco
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Martino's Ossobuco with Carrots and Onions

A delicious variation of Martino's ossobuco includes the addition of carrots and onions, which enrich the dish with flavors and colors. To prepare this version, start by seasoning the ossobuco with sea salt and dusting them with flour. In a well-heated pan, brown the ossobuco in plenty of oil. Meanwhile, slice the onions and cut the carrots into rounds. Once the ossobuco are well browned, add the vegetables and a bit of broth, covering everything with a lid. Let it cook on low heat for about an hour, adding broth if necessary. This preparation is perfect for a family Sunday lunch, where each bite enhances the tenderness of the meat and the sweetness of the vegetables.

Martino's Ossobuco Lombard Style

The preparation of Martino's ossobuco Lombard style is a true classic of Lombard culinary tradition. In this variation, the dish is enriched with a sauté of onions and carrots, which gives a sweet and aromatic note. The ossobuco, after being floured, are browned in a pan with hot oil. Subsequently, the vegetables and a bit of meat broth are added, creating a rich and flavorful base. The slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and flavorful, while the vegetables blend perfectly, creating a dish that tells the story of Lombard gastronomic tradition. Serve with a sprinkle of grated lemon zest for a touch of freshness.

Light Martino's Ossobuco without Flour

For those who wish to enjoy Martino's ossobuco in a lighter version, it is possible to prepare this recipe without flour. Start by seasoning the ossobuco and browning them in a pan with hot oil. The absence of flour makes the dish less caloric while still maintaining the juiciness of the meat. Add sliced onions and carrots, along with a bit of meat broth to create a rich sauce. The slow cooking on low heat allows the meat to remain tender and flavorful. This variant is ideal for those following a low-calorie diet without sacrificing taste. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a touch of freshness and lightness.

Nutritional Benefits of Veal Ossobuco

Veal ossobuco is an excellent source of protein and contains important nutrients such as iron, phosphorus, and B vitamins. This meat, although rich, can be part of a balanced diet due to its high digestibility. Each serving of ossobuco provides about 250-300 calories, depending on the cooking method and ingredients used. The addition of vegetables like onions and carrots not only enriches the dish with flavors but also increases the fiber and vitamin content, making this preparation a great choice for a nutritious and balanced meal.

Can Martino's Ossobuco be Frozen?

Yes, Martino's ossobuco can be frozen. It is advisable to do so after cooking, in order to preserve their tenderness and flavor. Make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. In this way, the ossobuco can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw them, it is best to transfer them to the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Once thawed, reheat them slowly in a pan or in the oven, adding a bit of broth to maintain moisture and flavor. This way, you can enjoy a dish of ossobuco even at a later time, without losing the quality of the original preparation.