Ossobuco Alla Siciliana

Ingredients

• Veal shanks (4)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion, finely chopped (1 large)
• Carrot, finely chopped (1 large)
• Celery stalks, finely chopped (2)
• Garlic cloves, minced (3)
• White wine (1 cup)
• Tomatoes, peeled and chopped (2 cups)
• Bay leaves (2)

Instructions

1. Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Add the veal shanks to the pan and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
5. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer until reduced by half.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and bay leaves to the pan. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
7. Return the veal shanks to the pan, immersing them in the vegetable and wine mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
8. Serve the ossobuco hot, ladled with plenty of the rich sauce and vegetables. Enjoy this traditional Sicilian dish with a side of creamy polenta or risotto for a complete meal.