Osso Buco for American Beef Lovers

Ingredients and Weight:

• 4 pounds beef shanks, cross-cut
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 2-3 hours

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Season beef shanks generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
4. Brown beef shanks on all sides for 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from pot.
5. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
7. Pour in red wine and let simmer until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Stir in beef broth, crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary.
9. Return beef shanks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.
10. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven.
11. Braise for 2-3 hours, or until beef is tender and falling off the bone.
12. If desired, make a cornstarch slurry by whisking together cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water. Gradually stir into sauce until thickened.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories per serving: 500
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and savory with a tender, fall-off-the-bone beef.
• Aromatic with herbs and red wine.
• Perfect for a special occasion or family gathering.

User Comments:

• "This recipe was easy to follow and delivered amazing results. The beef was so tender and the sauce was incredibly flavorful." - Amy
• "I served this dish at a dinner party and it was a huge hit. Everyone raved about the rich and comforting flavors." - John
• "I substituted white wine for the red wine and it still came out delicious. The herbs and spices really made this dish special." - Sarah

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to brown the beef shanks well to develop flavor.
• Use a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot that is large enough to hold the ingredients.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth.
• Serve with your favorite pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.