thrifty PORK shank OSSO BUCO

PORK shank OSSO BUCO braised to perfection.

A flavourful, melt-in-your-mouth bite every time.

Meatless Monday notice:

This post is by no means intended to discourage the giant steps most of us have been taking to go Meatless on Mondays.  Therefore, I think that Tantalizing Meat Tuesdays could maybe start a new trend?  Although, no matter the day...being conscious of making the right choices is always a full circle event for the earth's benefit as well as our welfare.  Let's make the right choices ;o)

 

Before a stunning hit of SPRING launches me towards lighter meals... I decided it was high time to share one of my tantalizing meat dishes.

Growing up, this classic dish was one of our favourites.   Mom always had us running to the table after having the Osso Buco aroma wafting through our home.

It wasn’t long before we would be asking for an extra helping.

  

Like most, Mom always made her version with veal shanks.   It’s only been very recently that she has steered towards using a slightly inexpensive cut of meat.  

I call this dish:

putting the Classic Osso Buco on a budget. 

I do agree that the word 'budget' doesn't sound very attractive, nor does it scream culinary greatness.  Although, I bet, the aroma alone will have your guests running towards the table.  The taste will certainly surprise them as much as the savings on their grocery bill ;o)

 

When was the last time you bought organic, milk-fed veal?

The last time I splurged on this pricey meat was during an Easter feast at our place.

The rest of the grocery bill matched the small fortune splurged on this dish. 

Not willing to forgo one of our favourite family comfort foods...

I had to experiment with less expensive, yet, mindful meat choices.

Pork shanks to the rescue.

Pork, as does veal, has a fairly high proportion of meat to bone ratio.

It also has just enough fatty tissue to add that desired flavour.

Not so long ago, I had almost decided to give up meat altogether.

The sheer amount of antibiotics and hormones alone were turning me off to one more bite.

Not to mention the mistreating of these poor beasts before slaughter.

However, I was soon reminded that because I was not alone at the table; I had to find a solution.

The answer was to find organic meat which takes into consideration the animal's welfare.

Here are a few suggested PRECAUTIONS with 'certified organic' meat:

. Make sure it's REALLY 'FRESH' meat:

Be very careful not to be distracted when selecting a package of what you may think is FRESH meat.

On several occasions, I noticed very small printed labels stating that the pork was pre-frozen.

. Always take the meat out of its original packaging and into another freezer sealed bag:

Place it into the freezer for at least 2 or more hours before putting it back into the fridge to thaw.

I take this precaution to wipe out any worry I would have concerning possible bacteria proliferation.

Your choice on what is best for you and your loved ones.

***

 

Yes, I can certainly agree that any organic meat has an elevated price tag.

We, have had to make decisions on different eating habits and therefore consume meat less often.

We have also become more appreciative and less mindless about...

every morsel of meat that has been carefully raised, selected and prepared.

 

 

By using pork shanks in place of veal in the Osso Buco has further...

encouraged the cost savings without the sacrificing one of our favourite dishes.

We also increase the side vegetables to replace some of the extra meat we were accustomed to eating.

Lots of caramelized onions, carrots, plum tomatoes and potatoes go a long way to satisfy our hunger.

 

Believe me when I say that even the...
veal shank die-hards have been fooled...
not purposely of course. LOL.

This recipe with pork shanks is just as "fall off the bone" tender as the veal shank version.

The only slight difference was a diminished amount of succulent bone marrow.

By now, I'm sure, many of you have eaten an Osso Buco dish.

I do hope it was a wonderful culinary experience.

However, if you haven't had a chance to savour...

an aromatic and tender bite of Osso Buco...

follow me to my signature thrifty dish.

OSSO BUCO braised PORK shanks

serves 4 persons

Preparation time and cooking takes a little more than 2 hrs.

Click HERE for a PRINTER VERSION of this recipe

INGREDIENTS:

(American / Metric measures)

. 8 Pork shanks * (medium size: 1-1/2 inch/3.5cm thick)

. 1/2 cup (105 gr) A.P. flour (for dredging) note: Gluten-free flour works very well too

. 3 tbsp. unsalted butter

. 3 tbsp. olive oil

Vegetables:

. 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced)

. 3 cups (~500gr) diced, chopped or largely sliced vegetables ** ( carrots and potatoes were used)

Seasonings:

. 1 tsp. (5ml) each of sea salt and garlic powder

. 1/2 tsp. (2.5ml) each from dried herbs: basil, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, tarragon.

Liquid mix:

. 1/2 cup (120ml) blended spirits (either Port or Marsala wine with Sherry or White wine). Cognac and Brandy are also excellent

. 3 tbsp. (45ml) frozen orange juice concentrate

. 2 cups (500ml) warm meat broth of choice  (or 1 stock cube dissolved in hot water)

. 2 cans x [13oz./(398ml)] San Marzano or Plum tomato (diced) or other 'high grade' Italian diced tomato

* Other meat shank possibilities:

. The classic Veal shank of course could be used.

. Beef and Lamb shanks could also be used, however, keep in mind that it will not result in the incredible "fall off the bone" tenderness you expect from an 'Osso Buco' dish.

** Vegetable selections could be a combination of either:

. Carrots, Celery, Celery Rave, Eggplant, Fennel, Mushrooms, Potatoes, red Bell Pepper.

PREPARATION:

. Take each (patted dry) pork shank and dredge both sides into the flour.  Shake off excess and set aside on a clean platter.

. In a very large extra deep pan or in a large Dutch oven pot, heat the oil and butter on medium-high heat.  Gradually add and distribute the meat evenly by covering the bottom of the pan.  Once the red liquid comes gushing out of the meat, it's the go-ahead to turn each piece over for browning the other side.  This whole process should not take more than 10 minutes.  Take the meat out of the pan and place temporarily on a clean plate and cover with aluminium foil. 

. In the same pan, immediately start to sauté the onions. Once the onions have caramelized, add the carrots and the potatoes.

. When vegetables seem slightly roasted and halfway cooked, sprinkle all the seasonings and toss to combine.  Now, return the meat shanks back into the pan by snuggling them at the bottom and in between the vegetables.

. Once the heat has picked back up, pour the first 3 ingredients of the liquid mix.   Afterwards, when the alcohol has evaporated (2 minutes), add the crushed tomatoes and finish off by pouring the warm stock over top.  Cover the meat and cook on medium heat for 30 minutes.

...To continue the braising process--You can use one of three methods depending on your capacity to be attentive to this dish:

. Before either method, take this opportunity to turn the meat shanks over.  Cover again...OR proceed to the oven OR -- CROCK-POT.

-- Stovetop method: Keep it on the stovetop on low-medium heat (simmer) without ever lifting the lid another 90 minutes. OR...

---Oven method: Pre-heat oven to 325F/160C/Gas3 and position rack on 2nd level from bottom. Transfer the whole preparation in a large enough roasting pan and cook for another 90 minutes more or less.  To make sure it’s ready,  take a peak to see if meat has been slowly detaching itself from the bone.

...Serving and Suggestion:

. Carefully remove the pork shanks as to not break them up.  Add the combined vegetables to each dish.  Pour a little sauce over top.

. You may also want to make another dish with this meat and forgo using the carrots and potatoes at this time.  Therefore, Osso Buco can be served alongside a plate of pasta or on a bed of rice such as the popular 'Risotto alla Milanese'.   A creamy, mashed potato or polenta is also a very popular accompaniment.

Note:  For those who insist on serving it with the classic 'Gremolada'...here's a very easy recipe for this garnish:  A handful of finely chopped flat parsley, a small minced garlic clove, finely grated zest from a medium lemon, a little squeeze of juice.  Mix it all and there you have it to sprinkle on the finishes Osso Buco. 

Several conscious efforts have been slowly taking place in my culinary life-style habits.

Although, it may not always be easy, I do find these little victories very rewarding indeed.

Have you made or contemplated changes in contributing to better earth-health consciousness?  Have any of these changes enhanced your pocket-book or at least improved your health status?

As for myself...the circle of complete comfort food has once more been proudly achieved.  Buon appetito!

 

Flavourful wishes,

Foodessa

Other recipes and posts that may be of interest:
- Feta Fig Squash stuffed PORK roll
- Porto PORK tenderloin with Cheddar on Swiss Chard
- Mexican Italian style Fiesta meal
- MEATLESS MONDAYS -- Montreal HEALTH FOOD Expo visit