Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, then you’ve probably heard of Osso Bucco. This traditional Milanese dish is made with tender and flavorful braised veal shanks. Traditionally, it is cooked low and slow to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become fall-off-the-bone tender. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using a slow cooker.
The slow cooker is an excellent tool for cooking Osso Bucco because it allows you to set it and forget it. You can start the dish in the morning and come back to a delicious meal in the evening. But how long does it really take to cook Osso Bucco in a slow cooker?
Generally, it takes about 6 to 8 hours on the low setting for the veal shanks to become tender and the flavors to fully develop. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size of your veal shanks and the temperature of your slow cooker. It’s best to check the meat periodically after the 6-hour mark to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
Once the osso bucco is done cooking, you can serve it with the traditional accompaniment of risotto milanese or creamy polenta. The marrow from the veal shanks is a delicacy and can be scooped out and spread on a piece of crusty bread for a truly indulgent experience. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious Osso Bucco!
Preparation Time
Preparing osso buco in a slow cooker requires minimal effort and time. Here is a breakdown of the preparation time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
It will take approximately 15 minutes to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare the osso buco for cooking. This includes chopping the vegetables, seasoning the meat, and measuring out the liquids.
Cooking Time: 8 hours
The slow cooker will do most of the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. This process takes about 8 hours on low heat setting. You can set the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook throughout the day, ensuring a delicious and comforting meal for dinner.
Overall, the preparation time for osso buco in a slow cooker is minimal, making it a convenient and time-saving dish to prepare. The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for osso buco in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the meat and the desired tenderness. Generally, it takes around 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat.
For tender osso buco, it’s recommended to cook it on low heat for a longer period of time. This allows the meat to become very tender and fall off the bone easily. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can cook it on high heat for a shorter duration.
It’s important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the slow cooker model and settings, so it’s best to monitor the meat throughout the cooking process. The osso buco is ready when the meat is fork-tender and the flavors have melded together.
If you are in a hurry and want to speed up the cooking process, you can also preheat the slow cooker on high for about 15 minutes before placing the osso buco in it. This will shorten the cooking time by approximately 1 to 2 hours.
To ensure that the osso buco is cooked to perfection, it’s recommended to check the internal temperature of the meat using a meat thermometer. The meat should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be safe to eat.
Once the osso buco is cooked, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more flavorful and succulent meat.
Ingredients
For this delicious Osso Bucco recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Osso Bucco:
- 4 veal shanks, about 1 1/2 inch thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gremolata:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will ensure that everything goes smoothly and you can enjoy a delicious Osso Bucco prepared in a slow cooker!
Instructions
1. Season the osso buco with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the osso buco on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the osso buco to the slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker, arranging it around the osso buco. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, red wine, thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.
5. Once cooked, remove the osso buco from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce.
6. Serve the osso buco with the sauce spooned over the top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve with risotto, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Note: If desired, you can thicken the sauce by transferring it to a saucepan and reducing it over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
Enjoy your homemade osso buco!
Serving Suggestions
Osso Bucco is a classic Italian dish that is traditionally served with a few accompaniments to enhance its flavors and provide a well-rounded meal. Here are some serving suggestions to consider:
Gremolata
One of the classic accompaniments to Osso Bucco is gremolata, a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley. This adds a burst of freshness and bright flavor to the rich and hearty meat. Sprinkle a generous amount of gremolata over the Osso Bucco just before serving.
Polenta
Osso Bucco pairs beautifully with creamy polenta. The soft and smooth texture of the polenta complements the tender meat and rich sauce. Serve a spoonful of polenta on the side, allowing your guests to savor each bite by mixing it with the sauce.
Gnocchi
Another popular option is serving Osso Bucco with homemade gnocchi. These small potato dumplings provide a comforting and satisfying element to the meal. The gnocchi can be tossed in the sauce or served on the side.
Additionally, you can serve Osso Bucco with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, or with a simple side salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Remember to pour a glass of red wine, such as a Barolo or Chianti, to complement the flavors of the Osso Bucco and complete the dining experience. Buon appetito!
Questions and answers
What is osso buco?
Osso buco is a traditional Italian dish made with braised veal shanks that are cooked slowly until tender. The dish is typically served with a rich and flavorful sauce.
Can I cook osso buco in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely cook osso buco in a slow cooker. Using a slow cooker is a great way to achieve tender and flavorful results, as the slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together.
