If you are a fan of rustic Italian comfort food, Osso Buco is one dish you absolutely need to try. This Milanese classic, which literally translates to “bone with a hole,” features slow-braised veal shanks cooked until tender, served with a rich tomato-wine sauce, and topped with zesty gremolata. Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s approach to Osso Buco, this recipe keeps things approachable, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
In this article, we will break down Jamie Oliver’s Osso Buco recipe, discuss the ingredients and techniques that make it special, and provide you with step-by-step instructions to create a mouthwatering dish worthy of any Italian trattoria. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to serve it with the perfect sides and elevate your dinner table.
What Is Osso Buco?
Osso Buco is a traditional Italian dish from Lombardy, famous for its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The star of the dish is veal shank, which is slowly braised in a sauce made of onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, white wine, and stock. The marrow inside the bone infuses the dish with a deep, luxurious flavor.
Jamie Oliver’s version stays true to its Milanese roots while adding a bit of flair and keeping the process simple enough for home cooks. He emphasizes quality ingredients, fresh herbs, and slow cooking for the ultimate flavor payoff.
Ingredients for Osso Buco Recipe Jamie Oliver
To make this Jamie Oliver-inspired Osso Buco recipe, you’ll need a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you should gather:
- 4 veal shanks (about 2 inches thick, bone-in)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup beef or veal stock
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: A sprinkle of gremolata (lemon zest, garlic, parsley) before serving, just as Jamie recommends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to recreate the Osso Buco Recipe Jamie Oliver style at home.
1. Prepare and Season the Veal Shanks
Pat the veal shanks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This helps create a beautiful crust during searing.
2. Sear the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the veal shanks and brown them well on all sides—this step locks in flavor. Once browned, transfer the shanks to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook gently until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Jamie often suggests taking your time here—this is where the flavor foundation is built.
4. Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the white wine and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes until it reduces by half.
5. Add Tomatoes and Stock
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and stock, mixing well. Return the veal shanks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Add the thyme and bay leaf.
6. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the Osso Buco to simmer gently for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and starting to fall off the bone.
7. Prepare the Gremolata
While the Osso Buco is finishing, make the gremolata by mixing lemon zest, parsley, and a little garlic. This will add brightness and freshness to the finished dish.
8. Serve and Garnish
Once the veal is tender, remove the thyme and bay leaf. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Plate the veal shanks with plenty of sauce, then sprinkle with gremolata before serving.
Tips from Jamie Oliver’s Cooking Style
Jamie Oliver is known for his approachable, flavor-packed recipes. Here are a few tips inspired by his cooking style to make your Osso Buco perfect:
- Choose the right meat: Look for veal shanks with plenty of marrow in the bone—it’s the secret to rich flavor.
- Cook low and slow: Resist the urge to rush the process. Slow cooking transforms the meat into a tender, succulent delight.
- Brighten it up: Jamie loves using fresh herbs and citrus to balance richness. The gremolata is not optional—it’s essential.
- Serve with care: Pairing matters. Jamie often serves Osso Buco with creamy risotto, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
What to Serve with Osso Buco
Traditionally, Osso Buco is served with Risotto alla Milanese, a creamy saffron-infused risotto that perfectly complements the braised veal. However, you can also serve it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Polenta
- Buttered pappardelle pasta
- Crusty artisan bread
Each of these options soaks up the sauce beautifully and rounds out the meal.
Why This Osso Buco Recipe Works
This Osso Buco recipe Jamie Oliver style works because it keeps things simple but delivers incredible depth of flavor. The combination of slow-braised veal, aromatic vegetables, white wine, and gremolata creates a dish that’s hearty yet elegant. It’s perfect for Sunday dinner, date night, or any occasion where you want to impress.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Osso Buco is straightforward, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the sear: Browning the meat is crucial for building flavor. Don’t skip this step.
- Cooking too fast: If the heat is too high, the meat can toughen instead of becoming tender.
- Forgetting the gremolata: The citrusy garnish makes a big difference in taste—don’t leave it out.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the perfect Osso Buco recipe Jamie Oliver style, this guide is your ultimate resource. With simple, fresh ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dish that feels like a trip to Italy—without leaving your kitchen.
Whether you pair it with risotto, polenta, or mashed potatoes, this Osso Buco will become a go-to recipe in your collection. So grab your Dutch oven, pour a glass of white wine, and start cooking. Your family and friends will thank you.