Ossobuco facts for kids
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| Type | Casserole |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Lombardy |
| Main ingredients | Cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine and broth. |
| Variations | Ossobuco in bianco |
| 100 kcal (419 kJ) | |
Ossobuco (say it: oss-oh-BOO-koh) is a super tasty dish from Lombardy, a region in Italy. It's made with thick slices of veal shank. These meat slices are cooked slowly with vegetables, white wine, and broth until they are very tender.
A special part of ossobuco is the marrow inside the bone. It's considered a real treat! People often eat ossobuco with risotto alla milanese or polenta. There are two main kinds of ossobuco. The older one, called ossobuco in bianco, doesn't have tomatoes. It gets its flavor from cinnamon, bay leaf, and a fresh herb mix called gremolata. The more common version today includes tomatoes, carrots, celery, and onions.
What Does Ossobuco Mean?
The name Ossobuco comes from Italian words. Osso means "bone" and buco means "hole". So, it literally means "bone with a hole". This name refers to the hole in the middle of the veal shank bone. That's where the delicious marrow is found! In the local language of Milan, the dish is called òss bus.
How Is Ossobuco Made?
The main ingredient for ossobuco is veal shank. This part of the meat is usually tough. But when it's cooked slowly for a long time, it becomes very soft and flavorful. The meat is cut into thick pieces, about 3 centimeters (or 1.2 inches) thick.
Most recipes start by browning the veal shanks. This means cooking them quickly in butter or oil until they turn golden brown. Then, they are slowly cooked in a liquid. This liquid is usually a mix of white wine and meat broth. Vegetables are added to give it even more flavor.
What to Eat with Ossobuco?
Traditionally, ossobuco in bianco is served with risotto alla milanese. This makes it a complete meal all by itself. The tomato-based version of ossobuco is often eaten with polenta. Polenta is a dish made from cornmeal. Sometimes, it's also served with mashed potatoes or even pasta.
See also
In Spanish: Osobuco para niños
