**Authentic Italian Meat Recipe for a Hearty Italian Meat Lover's Feast**

If you're a fan of rich, savory dishes, an authentic Italian meat recipe is a must-try. This guide will take you through the steps to create a hearty Italia……

If you're a fan of rich, savory dishes, an authentic Italian meat recipe is a must-try. This guide will take you through the steps to create a hearty Italian meat lover's feast that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. From selecting the right cuts of meat to mastering the art of Italian seasoning, this recipe offers a comprehensive dive into the world of Italian cuisine.

**Choosing the Right Meat**

The foundation of a delicious Italian meat recipe lies in the quality of the meat. Traditional Italian dishes often use beef, pork, veal, or a combination of these. For this recipe, we will focus on a classic Italian meat dish: Osso Buco, which uses veal shanks.

**Ingredients:**

- 4 veal shanks, each about 1 1/2 inches thick

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper

- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 1 carrot, finely chopped

- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

- 4 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 cup dry white wine

- 1 cup beef broth

- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

- 2 teaspoons dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

- 2 bay leaves

- Gremolata (a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley) for garnish

**Preparation:**

1. **Seasoning and Browning the Meat:**

- Pat the veal shanks dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

- Dredge the shanks in flour, shaking off any excess.

- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the veal shanks and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the shanks and set them aside.

2. **Building the Flavor Base:**

- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

3. **Deglazing and Simmering:**

- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This step is crucial for incorporating deep, rich flavors into the dish.

- Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.

4. **Braising the Meat:**

- Return the veal shanks to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours. The meat should be tender and almost falling off the bone.

5. **Finishing Touches:**

- Once the meat is done, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

- For an added burst of flavor, garnish the dish with gremolata just before serving.

**Serving Suggestions:**

This hearty Italian meat lover's feast pairs beautifully with creamy polenta, risotto, or a simple side of roasted vegetables. A robust red wine, such as Chianti or Barolo, complements the rich flavors of the dish perfectly.

**Conclusion:**

Creating an authentic Italian meat recipe like Osso Buco is a rewarding culinary experience that brings the warmth and tradition of Italian cooking into your home. With its tender meat and flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite for any Italian meat lover's feast. Buon appetito!