@RykerJackson97 Fun fact, the same company that provided the woodwork for this Temple also provided woodwork for the Hawaii Laiei Temple and the woodwork for the conference center (including the walnut tree pulpit and the cherry organ).
You wonโt regret watching this clip
I first listened to this truly prophetic speech decades ago, but Iโve thought about it countless times since then
Neal A. Maxwell masterfully diagnosed the problems with our increasingly godless society
**Osso buco** (or ossobuco) is a classic Milanese Italian dish meaning "bone with a hole." It features cross-cut veal shanks braised slowly until fork-tender, with the marrow from the bone enriching a flavorful sauce of white wine, vegetables, tomatoes, and broth. It's traditionally served with a bright **gremolata** (parsley, lemon zest, and garlic) on top, often alongside saffron risotto (risotto alla Milanese), polenta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Many modern versions use **beef shanks** as a more accessible (and often cheaper) substitute for veal, with similar resultsโthough veal is more delicate and traditional. This recipe serves 4 and takes about 20โ30 minutes of active prep, plus 2โ3 hours of braising (or longer in a slow cooker). Use a heavy Dutch oven for best results.
### Ingredients
#### For the osso buco:
- 4 veal shanks (or beef shanks - I've used pork roast or beef chuck roast), about 8โ12 oz / 225โ340 g each, 1โ1.5 inches (2.5โ4 cm) thick, bone-in
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ยฝโ1 cup (60โ125 g) all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 3โ4 tbsp olive oil (plus more as needed)
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 large carrot, finely diced
- 1โ2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3โ4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional but recommended for depth)
- 1 can (14โ28 oz / 400โ800 g) whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano preferred), crushed by hand, or tomato sauce
- 2โ3 cups (475โ700 ml) chicken, veal, or beef broth/stock (enough to partially cover the shanks)
- 1โ2 bay leaves
- Fresh thyme sprigs or rosemary (optional, 1โ2 sprigs)
- Optional: 2โ4 oz (55โ115 g) diced pancetta or thick-cut bacon for extra flavor
#### For the gremolata (essential topping):
- ยฝ cup fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, finely chopped
- Zest of 1โ2 lemons (avoid the bitter white pith)
- 1โ2 garlic cloves, finely minced
### Instructions
*Slow cooker**:
Brown the shanks and sautรฉ vegetables on the stovetop first (don't skip this for flavor). Transfer everything to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6โ8 hours or high for 4 hours, until tender. Reduce sauce on the stovetop afterward if needed.
Tips:
- Make ahead: Osso buco tastes even better the next day. Cool, refrigerate, and reheat gently.
- Pairings: Classic with risotto Milanese (saffron risotto), creamy polenta, or crusty bread. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness.
@JeffBiesinger A mentor and father figure of mine once assured me, "I can't promise that bad times won't come, but I can promise that things will get better!"
DMs are always open!
๐