Ossobuco with Peas: A Hearty Italian Delight
Ossobuco con Piselli is a traditional Italian dish that brings together tender veal shanks slow-cooked in a flavorful mixture of vegetables, broth, and wine, complemented by the sweetness of fresh peas. This dish is a perfect example of rustic Italian comfort food, where each bite offers a balance of rich flavors and textures. Served with a side of risotto or crusty bread, it is a memorable meal for any occasion, especially when prepared for family and friends.
Ingredients (For 4 Servings)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Veal Ossobuco (shanks) | 1400g |
| White wine | 60g |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Butter | 50g |
| Yellow onions | 60g |
| Celery | 60g |
| Carrots | 60g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40g |
| Beef broth | 250g |
| Fresh peas | 160g |
| All-purpose flour (for dredging) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~40g |
| Carbohydrates | ~15g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sodium | ~600mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by washing and peeling the carrots, onions, and celery. Once cleaned, finely chop them into small pieces, as this will help create the base for the dish’s flavorful soffritto. Set aside. -
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Create the Soffritto
In a large pan or skillet, melt the butter and add the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently and let the vegetables cook gently for about 10-15 minutes until they soften and begin to become translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. This mixture forms the aromatic base of the dish. -
Prepare the Ossobuco
While the soffritto is cooking, prepare the veal ossobuco by carefully trimming the outer membrane. You can do this with kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. This step helps prevent the meat from curling up during the cooking process. Once trimmed, lightly dust the ossobuco with all-purpose flour on both sides, ensuring even coverage. -
Brown the Ossobuco
Once the soffritto is ready, increase the heat slightly and add the floured ossobuco to the pan. Brown the veal shanks on all sides, turning them gently to achieve an even sear. This should take around 5-7 minutes. The goal is to lock in the juices and flavor before continuing the cooking process. -
Deglaze with White Wine
After the ossobuco has browned, pour in the white wine. Allow the alcohol to evaporate and the wine to reduce slightly, which will deglaze the pan and pick up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. This will enhance the depth of flavor in your dish. -
Simmer the Ossobuco
Once the wine has evaporated, add the beef broth to the pan, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, leaving a small gap to allow for steam to escape, and let the ossobuco simmer gently for about 1.5 hours. Be sure to check occasionally to ensure the meat is not drying out. If needed, add more broth or a splash of water to maintain moisture. -
Turn the Ossobuco Halfway
At the halfway point of the cooking time, carefully turn the ossobuco over to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for ensuring that the meat cooks uniformly on all sides. -
Add the Peas
About 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the peas to the pan. If you’re using fresh peas, they should be cooked for a slightly longer time to ensure they are tender and fully cooked. Stir gently to incorporate them into the sauce, letting them simmer in the broth as the ossobuco finishes cooking. -
Final Adjustments and Serving
Once the ossobuco is fully cooked and tender, and the peas have softened, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The meat should be so tender that it practically falls off the bone, and the sauce should be thick and flavorful, coating the meat beautifully.Serve the ossobuco hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. It pairs wonderfully with risotto, mashed potatoes, or a simple side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success
- Freshness of Peas: If using frozen peas, adjust the cooking time as they require less time to cook than fresh ones. If using fresh peas, be sure to cook them a bit longer to ensure they are tender.
- Slow Cooking: For the best results, make sure to cook the ossobuco slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. A slow cooker or Dutch oven can also be used for this recipe, especially if you prefer a more hands-off approach.
- Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a glass of dry white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the richness of the veal and the slight acidity of the broth.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Ossobuco with peas is the epitome of comfort food. The tender veal, rich broth, and the delicate sweetness of the peas create a perfect harmony of flavors. This recipe is not only a delight to eat but also a joy to prepare, especially when shared with loved ones. Its versatility allows it to shine on both weeknight dinners and special occasions, making it an unforgettable Italian classic that will have your guests coming back for more.
Enjoy this heartwarming Italian dish that is as satisfying as it is flavorful—perfect for any family gathering or dinner party!
