Basic Osso Buco

Directions

1. 1
   Season each shank with salt and freshly ground pepper and dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.
2. 2
   In a large pot with a lid that fits, heat vegetable oil until hot.
3. 3
   Add the veal shanks and brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side.
4. 4
   Remove browned shanks and reserve.
5. 5
   In the same pot, add the onion, carrot and celery.
6. 6
   Saute until soft and translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes.
7. 7
   Add the tomato paste and mix well.
8. 8
   Cook for about a minute more.
9. 9
   Return the shanks to the pan and add the wine and reduce liquid by half, about 5 minutes.
10. 10
    Add the thyme and 2 cups of the broth.
11. 11
    Bring to a boil.
12. 12
    Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is falling off the bone.
13. 13
    Check every 15 minutes, turning shanks and adding more chicken stock as necessary.
14. 14
    The level of cooking liquid should always be about 3/4 the way up the meat.
15. 15
    Remove the shanks carefully from the pot as the meat could slip right off the bone.
16. 16
    Serve with juices and sprinkle with parsley and lemon zest.