Introduction

Lamb Osso Buco is one of those dishes that truly showcases the beauty of slow-cooked comfort food. This traditional Italian recipe combines tender lamb shanks, aromatic herbs, and a rich, savory broth to create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners. The key to making this dish perfect is patience. Let the lamb cook low and slow until it falls off the bone and becomes a delicious melt-in-your-mouth experience. With a few simple ingredients and some love, you can enjoy this Mediterranean classic right at home. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Detailed Ingredients

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary 🌿
• 1 sprig fresh thyme 🌿
• 1 medium dry bay leaf 🍂
• 2 whole cloves 🌰
• Three 1-pound lamb shanks (or veal), trimmed 🍖
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🧂🌶️
• All-purpose flour for dredging 🧴
• ½ cup vegetable or canola oil 🛢️
• 1 small onion, diced 🧅
• 1 small carrot, diced 🥕
• 1 stalk celery, diced 🌱
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced 🧄
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 🍅
• 1 cup dry white wine 🍷
• 3 cups chicken stock or broth (or lamb/veal stock if available) 🍗
• 3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped 🌿
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest 🍋

Directions

1. Prepare the spice bag: Wrap the rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, and cloves in a piece of cheesecloth and secure it with kitchen twine to create a spice bag.
2. Season and flour the lamb shanks: Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better. Season them with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off any excess flour.
3. Brown the shanks: Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once smoking hot, add the lamb shanks and brown them on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the shanks from the pot and set aside.
4. Sauté the vegetables: Turn the heat to medium. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pot. Season with a pinch of salt and sauté the vegetables until they’re soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the tomato paste and mix well.
5. Deglaze with wine: Return the browned lamb shanks to the pot. Pour in the white wine, allowing it to reduce by half, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Add the stock and simmer: Add the cheesecloth spice bag and chicken stock to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the dish simmer for 1½ hours, turning the shanks every 15 minutes. Add more stock if necessary to ensure the shanks are almost covered in liquid.
7. Finish the dish: Once the lamb is tender and falling off the bone, carefully remove the shanks from the pot and place them on a deep platter. Discard the kitchen twine and cheesecloth spice bag.
8. Serve: Pour the juices and sauce from the pot over the shanks. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Serve hot and enjoy!

My Story

I first made Lamb Osso Buco after reading about it in an Italian cookbook I had picked up during a trip to Italy. I was instantly intrigued by the method—slow-cooking lamb until it was so tender it practically melted in your mouth. When I first tried making it, I was a little nervous about all the steps, but once I tasted the rich, savory flavor, I knew it was worth every minute. Over the years, I’ve perfected my version of Osso Buco, adjusting the spices and adding lemon zest for a little zing. It’s now a dish that’s become a tradition in my home, and whenever I make it, everyone gathers around the table to enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.

FAQ

Q1: Can I substitute lamb with veal?
Yes, veal is a great substitute and is traditionally used in Osso Buco. You can follow the same steps for veal shanks as you would for lamb.

Q2: Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the lamb shanks and sautéing the vegetables, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.

Q3: What can I serve with Lamb Osso Buco?
A classic pairing is with creamy mashed potatoes or risotto. Alternatively, you can serve it with roasted vegetables or even a simple salad.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish actually tastes even better the next day! You can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Q5: Is it necessary to use a spice bag?
While the spice bag adds depth and flavor, if you don’t have cheesecloth, you can simply add the herbs directly to the pot and strain the sauce before serving.

Suggestions

1. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
2. For a richer sauce, stir in a spoonful of butter just before serving.
3. Serve the dish over creamy polenta for an authentic Italian experience.
4. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
5. Use a mix of beef and lamb stock for a deeper, more complex broth.

Conclusion

Lamb Osso Buco is the epitome of comforting, slow-cooked Italian cuisine. The tender lamb, aromatic herbs, and rich sauce all come together to create a memorable dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or weekend dinner. The slow-cooking process ensures that every bite of meat is flavorful and juicy, while the addition of fresh parsley and lemon zest adds a beautiful burst of freshness. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it for yourself, and enjoy the flavors of Italy in your own home!

Sarah Cooper