Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this classic Ossobuco alla Milanese recipe. Tender veal shanks are slow-cooked in a savory broth with vegetables, wine, and aromatic spices, creating a melt-in-your-mouth dish that will transport you to the bustling streets of Milan. Serve with creamy risotto for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Here's a traditional recipe for Ossobuco alla Milanese:

Ingredients:

 - 4 veal shanks, about 2 inches thick

 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper

 - All-purpose flour, for dredging

 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

 - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

 - 1 onion, finely chopped

 - 1 carrot, finely chopped

 - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

 - 1 cup dry white wine

 - 1 cup chicken or beef broth

 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained

 - 1 bay leaf

 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

 - Gremolata, for serving (optional, see below)

Gremolata:

 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

 - Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2- Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.

3- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the veal shanks on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.

5- Add the wine to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 2 minutes.

6- Stir in the broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and thyme. Return the veal shanks to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.

7- Cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the veal shanks until tender, about 2 hours, turning them halfway through cooking.

8- While the veal is cooking, prepare the gremolata by combining the parsley, garlic, and lemon zest in a small bowl.

9- Once the veal is tender, remove it from the oven. Serve the Ossobuco hot, garnished with gremolata, alongside risotto or mashed potatoes.

Enjoy your delicious Ossobuco alla Milanese!

Nutritional Values :

Here's a general idea of the nutritional values for the main ingredients in Ossobuco alla Milanese:

For the Veal Shanks Recipe:

Veal Shanks (4 pieces, about 2 inches thick):

  - Calories: 1,000 (for 4 shanks, assuming 250 calories per 3-ounce serving)

  - Fat: 60 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 80 g

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and important vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc. The fat content contributes to richness and flavor.

Salt (to taste):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste):

  - Calories: 3 (per teaspoon)

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants. May aid digestion and metabolism.

All-Purpose Flour (for dredging):

  - Calories: 100 (per 1/4 cup)

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 23 g

  - Protein: 3 g

Benefits: Adds texture and helps to create a crust. Provides carbohydrates for energy.

Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 400

  - Fat: 44 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds richness and flavor. High in fat, so use in moderation.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (4 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 480

  - Fat: 56 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Enhances flavor and texture.

Onion (1, finely chopped):

  - Calories: 45

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 11 g

  - Protein: 1 g

Benefits: Adds flavor, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Carrot (1, finely chopped):

  - Calories: 25

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 6 g

  - Protein: 0.5 g

Benefits: Provides vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Celery Stalk (1, finely chopped):

  - Calories: 10

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 2 g

  - Protein: 0.5 g

Benefits: Low in calories, adds flavor, and provides fiber.

Garlic Cloves (2, minced):

  - Calories: 10

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 2 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dry White Wine (1 cup):

  - Calories: 125

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 4 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds depth of flavor. Alcohol content will mostly evaporate during cooking.

Chicken or Beef Broth (1 cup):

  - Calories: 10 (for low-sodium)

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 1 g

Benefits: Adds flavor with minimal calories and provides nutrients.

Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 ounces):

  - Calories: 70

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 15 g

  - Protein: 3 g

Benefits: Provides vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like lycopene.

Bay Leaf (1):

  - Calories: 5

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants. Remove before serving.

Fresh Thyme Leaves (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 2

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties.

For the Gremolata:

Chopped Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: 5

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 1 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and provides vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants.

Garlic Cloves (2, minced):

  - Calories: 10

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 2 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon):

  - Calories: 5

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor and vitamin C.

These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used.