Ossobuco alla Milanese With Saffron Risotto Famous Italian Dish

Published: Nov 15, 2017 · Modified: Apr 24, 2023 by Marisa Franca · 95 Comments

Ossobuco alla Milanese with Saffron Risotto is a Lombardy dish made with cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine, and broth. Gremolata, a combination of lemon zest, parsley, and garlic garnishes the braised meat. Traditionally the accompaniment to the dish is Risotto alla Milanese, a risotto made with saffron.

Ossobuco alla Milanese with Saffron Risotto is a traditional in Italian cuisine especially in the Lombardy region. #ossobuco #veal_shanks #Milanese_cuisine, #risotto, #saffron_risotto,#braised_veal_shanks #allourway

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The Inspiration
The Birthplace Of The Famous Dish
Serving the Milanese Dish
The Recipe
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

The Inspiration

An Italian sweepstake inspired our recipe. We wanted to make Ossobuco alla Milanese last year commemorating the win but we couldn't find meaty veal shanks. Then out of the blue, we discovered them in Florida at a Costco. Talk about traveling far and wide to find the right ingredients!

If you're wondering how a sweepstake connects to a braised meat dish it's because of the bicycle I won. That bike was the first handmade bike of its type. And before you start shaking your head in confusion, the prize came from outside of Milan.

I wrote to Roberto, CEO of OMAST, a sponsor for the contest. I asked what's his favorite dish. He said Ossobuco alla Milanese. I promised that I'd make the traditional Italian dish, and here we are.

The Birthplace Of The Famous Dish

Milan, in the Lombardia region of Italy, claims to be the city that gave birth to ossobuco. The word ("oss bus" in Milanese dialect) means "bone with a hole", a reference to the marrow hole at the center of the veal shank.

vegetables in bowls for the Ossobuco alla Milanese

Originally, Italians made this dish in the winter time on charcoal or wood stoves. The veal shanks cooked for hours warming the household. Can you imagine the wonderful aroma that filled the house?

Ingredients

The lengthy braise time reminded me of our ragù. It appears the Italians are masters at slow-cooking meats. Our Maiale al Latte (Pork Roast Braised In Milk) is fork tender.

The best ossobuco comes from the meatier hind leg. The shanks should be no thicker than 1 ½ inches. Although the thick pieces look good, they need to cook longer and they could end up chewy instead of fork tender.

Veal broth is ideal for this recipe, but if that's not available (we didn't have any) use chicken broth. From what I've read, using stock instead of broth does not give that optimum flavor. If you spend money on expensive veal shanks you want to use the best ingredients.
Next comes the vegetables. The onion, celery, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, and parsley cook in a pan until softened.
The Marsala deglazes the pan and then the stock and tomatoes go in along with the veal shanks for a long slow braise.

Veal Shanks in cast iron pan with vegetables

Serving the Milanese Dish

Our gremolata is a combination of grated lemon and orange, minced garlic, and fresh chopped Italian parsley. We added it to the finished ossobuco dish just before serving.

Ossobuco alla Milanese with Saffron Rice is a traditional Italian dish from the Lombardy region. #ossobuco, #veal_shanks, #Risotto, #Saffron_risotto

Risotto alla Milanese is a saffron risotto that's the traditional side with the Ossobuco alla Milanese. The passion for this dish runs deep. Billy Collins, an American poet, wrote a poem called Osso Buco. I guess he really enjoyed the meal. ????

Give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed! We promise.

Tutti a tavola è pronto!

Un caro saluto e alla prossima.

Next time try one of the best authentic Italian chicken recipes, Pollo alla Cacciatore. And if you're a fan of flavorful toppings like gremolata, you have to sample our Mushroom Baked Rigatoni with Kale Gremolata. It's easy to make, delicious to taste, and it's company worthy!

And if you're passionate about risotto, try our Mushroom Risotto Stuffed Peppers recipe. It's easy to make but it tastes like you spent hours preparing it.

Four ossobuco alla Milanese in A white rectangle platter holding ossobuco with a rich wine sauce on top. Italian parsley surrounds the lamb shanks as a garnish.

Ossobuco alla Milanese with Saffron Risotto - veal shank braised on platter

The Recipe

📖 Recipe