Osso Buco alla Milanese
Braised veal shanks with gremolata. One of Italy's greatest dishes. The marrow in the bone is the prize.
Tuscan bread soup meant to be made the day before and 're-boiled' the next day. Gets better every time.
Soffritto Base
Soup
Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook 10 minutes until soft.
Add carrot and celery. Cook another 10 minutes. Add garlic, cook 2 more minutes.
Crush tomatoes into the soffritto by hand. Add rosemary sprigs and Parmesan rind if using.
Add half the beans whole. Puree the other half with a little stock and add it too — this thickens the soup naturally.
Pour in stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes.
Add cavolo nero, simmer 15 more minutes until completely tender.
Add bread, stir gently. Simmer 5 more minutes. The bread should partially melt into the soup.
Season with salt. Leave to cool overnight.
The next day: re-boil (ribollita means 're-boiled'). Adjust consistency with water or stock. Finish with a generous pour of your best olive oil.
Braised veal shanks with gremolata. One of Italy's greatest dishes. The marrow in the bone is the prize.
Thick pork shanks braised in white wine and stock. Cheaper than veal. Nobody is disappointed.
Lamb shanks take the same treatment. Slower braise. The lamb version is technically Italian too, just less known.
All the depth and richness of the classic French braise, made entirely with mushrooms. The wine matters. Use something you would drink.