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### 🍋 The Gremolata: A Bright Finishing Touch
Just before serving, the dish is topped with **gremolata**, a simple but powerful mix of **lemon zest, garlic, and fresh parsley**. This raw garnish cuts through the richness of the meat, lifting the dish with a burst of freshness — a classic example of Italian culinary contrast.
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### 📝 Ingredients Overview
**For the Osso Buco:**
– Veal shanks (or beef, cross-cut with bone)
– Flour (for dredging)
– Olive oil
– Onion, carrot, and celery (the soffritto base)
– Garlic
– Dry white wine
– Crushed tomatoes
– Beef or veal broth
– Fresh thyme, bay leaf
– Salt and pepper
**For the Gremolata:**
– Fresh parsley
– Garlic
– Lemon zest
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### 👩🍳 Basic Cooking Method
1. **Sear the Meat** – Lightly flour the veal shanks and sear them in olive oil until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. **Build the Flavor Base** – In the same pan, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
3. **Deglaze** – Add white wine, scraping up the flavorful bits on the bottom.
4. **Add Liquid & Simmer** – Return the veal to the pan, add tomatoes, broth, and herbs. Simmer low and slow (2–3 hours) until the meat is fork-tender.
5. **Make the Gremolata** – Mix chopped parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest just before serving.
6. **Serve & Garnish** – Spoon gremolata over the plated Osso Buco and serve with risotto, polenta, or crusty bread.
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### 🍽️ Tips for Success
– **Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot** to maintain even heat during braising.
– **Don’t rush the braise** — low and slow is key.
– **Scoop out the marrow** and spread it on toast or stir it into the sauce for extra richness.
– **Add gremolata last-minute** for maximum freshness.
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### 🥂 Wine Pairing
Serve with a **dry red wine** like Barolo or Chianti Classico, or stick with a dry white like Pinot Grigio if using it in the sauce. The wine’s acidity balances the richness beautifully.
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### Final Thoughts
Osso Buco with Gremolata is a dish that speaks to the soul of Italian cooking — rustic yet refined, rich yet refreshing. Whether you’re new to braising or a seasoned home cook, this dish will quickly earn a spot in your favorites list. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the best flavors come with time, patience, and a little zest.
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