Today, my slow cooker is hosting crosscut veal shank (used to make Osso Bucco) and beef short ribs.

I bought the beef shank from a butcher and the ribs from a supermarket.

Osso Bucco is an Italian dish from the Lombardy region [10]. The name “Osso Bucco” translates to “bone with a hole” in Italian, referring to the marrow hole at the centre of the cross-cut veal shank [10]. This dish is made with veal shanks cut into thick steaks and then slowly cooked in a tomato sauce [13]. It’s often garnished with gremolata and traditionally served with either risotto alla milanese or polenta [10]. The dish is known for its rich, layered flavour thanks to the tender meat combined with the inclusion of bone and marrow in the cut [4]. I did not use tomato sauce; I used water and salt.

In other countries, it’s known by its Italian name, “Osso Bucco” or “Ossobuco”. In the Milanese variant of the Lombard language, this dish’s name is “òss bus” [10].

The cooking characteristics of beef shank involve slow cooking, which allows the collagen from the bone marrow to melt into gelatine, contributing to the dish’s texture [4]. This process produces a fall-off-the-bone experience and a smooth, umami flavour [4]. Osso Bucco is typically cooked with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, simmered in white wine and broth [4]. I did not add vegetables to my meal.

As for the nutrient values, a serving of Osso Bucco has protein, fat, and carbohydrates [6]. It’s also a source of essential amino acids. However, the exact nutrient values vary depending on the recipe and ingredients. With no vegetables, my meal is low in carbohydrates.

The health benefits of beef shank are attributed to its high protein content, which is essential for muscle growth and repair [17]. It’s also high in iron and zinc, which are important for immunological function and metabolism [16]. The bone marrow in beef shank is a good source of healthy fats, which are beneficial for skin, hair, and nail health [17]. Additionally, the collagen from the bone marrow is reported to aid in wound healing, sleep, and stress reduction, as well as in preventing inflammation, free radical damage, and diabetes [2].

Conversely, like any other food, Osso Bucco should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s also worth noting that the nutrient content and health impacts can vary depending on the cooking method and the meat quality used. For instance, grass-fed beef is considered healthier due to its higher nutrient content and lower levels of unhealthy fats [4]. Most beef in Australia is grass-fed and not grain-finished.

There is an old post on Random Yummy for a description of beef short ribs.

Beef short rib

Ingredients

Beef shank.
Beef short ribs.
Water — 1 cup.
Salt — 1 tablespoon.

Equipment

Slow cooker.

Instructions

Unwrap the meat and place the meat into the slow cooker.
Add one cup of water.
Add one tablespoon of salt.
Turn on the slow cooker.
Cook for eight to ten hours. The time is not critical. Enjoy your day, and don’t be concerned about the meat. It’s hard to go wrong with a slow cooker and delicious beef.
Remove the meat and bones from the slow cooker.
Strain the cooking liquor and transfer it to a container.
Refrigerate the cooking liquor. The next day, lift off the layer of beef fat. You can keep the fat for cooking or discard it. The remaining gelatinous broth can be used for a hot drink or for flavouring cooked beef mince.
Pull the beef with a couple of forks.
Put most of the meat into a container and refrigerate.
Set aside a portion for dinner and serve with a fried egg in butter. The oozing yolk makes for a delicious meat sauce. I also add a dash of cream (pure pouring cream with no thickening agents or gelatine).

References

2 responses to “Beef shank and ribs”

ckennedy

2024-07-01

I learned a lot today–thanks! The resulting dish looks incredibly tasty!

LikeLiked by 1 person
Gary

2024-07-01

Thank you very much.

LikeLiked by 1 person