Veal Osso Bucco

4 ea. 2 inch thick cut veal shanks

*I recommend finding these at Acme Meat Market, 9531-76 Ave., they are one of the few places that will actually grab some veal shanks and cut them up to your liking. Try to ensure the bone is nice and centre, a little further up the shank.*

¼ cup canola oil
6 tbsp. flour
S&P

1 ea. large onion, peeled, large dice
1 ea. large carrot, peeled, large dice
2 ea. celery stalks, leaves removed, large dice
4 cloves garlic
½ cup tomato paste
1 cup red wine
2-3 lt. veal stock (beef stck can be substituted)
1-1.5 cups demiglace (try to use a good quality fresh, rather than powder)
4-5 pc. bay leaves
1 tbsp. peppercorns
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
6 sprigs fresh thyme

Preheat the oven to 300F
Place a pan on high heat
Season the flour, then lightly dredge the veal shanks in flour and shake off excess
Drizzle oil in hot pan, then sear the shanks until golden brown on all sides, set aside
In a 6 lt. pot, saute the onions, carrots celery & garlic, until you can smell the aroma, 1-2 min
Add tomato paste and brown slightly
Deglaze the pan with the red wine, and reduce
Once reduced, place the mixture in the bottom of a roasting pan big enough to fit the shanks, then top the mxture with the shanks
Using the same pot, heat enough veal stock and demiglace to easily cover the shanks, bring to a simmer, flavour with remaining spices, then pour over the shanks to cover completely
Cover with aluminum foil and place in the place
Braise the shanks until they are fork tender, about 2-3 hours depending on thickness etc.
Once braised, remove shanks, and strain sauce, skim the fat from the surface
Place the sauce on the stove and slowly simmer to reduce by 25%, adjust the seasoning
When ready to serve, return the shanks to the sauce and heat through
Serve with risotto Milanese, creamy polenta, or even a great mashed potatoes and top with extra sauce

Enjoy this hearty and rich braised dish as the weather turns colder and don’t forget to dig into the marrow in the centre of the bone. Sooooo good!