Greek Beef Stew (Stifado)

Slow Cooker Osso Buco is a classic dish featuring tender veal or beef shanks braised in a rich and flavorful sauce. The star ingredient in this dish is the veal or beef osso buco, which refers to thick cuts of meat from the shank portion. The meat is known for its rich flavor and tenderness, making it ideal for slow cooking. As the osso buco simmers in the slow cooker, it becomes incredibly tender, easily falling off the bone, and absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients. To enhance the flavor profile of the dish, a variety of aromatic ingredients are added. Whole peeled shallots provide a sweet and mild onion flavor, while bay leaves, garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, whole pimento, and cloves add depth and complexity to the sauce. Ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and hint of spice.

Serves: 8

ALLERGIES:

• SF (Shellfish)
• GF (Gluten)
• DF (Dairy)
• EF (Egg)
• NF (Nuts)

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 large pieces of veal or beef osso buco
• 20 whole shallots, peeled
• 3 bay leaves
• 8 garlic cloves
• 3 sprigs rosemary
• 6 whole pimento
• 5 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup olive oil or avocado oil
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cups tomato paste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the osso buco pieces in the slow cooker.
2. Add the whole peeled shallots, bay leaves, garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, pimento, cloves, and ground nutmeg to the slow cooker.
3. Drizzle the olive oil or avocado oil over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Pour the apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker.
5. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the ingredients.
6. Spread the tomato paste over the osso buco and other ingredients in the slow cooker.
7. Sprinkle the black pepper over the top.
8. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat.
9. Cook the osso buco for approximately 8 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.
10. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and give the stew a gentle stir.
11. The meat should be falling off the bone and the flavors should be well blended.
12. Serve the osso buco hot, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of meat, shallots, and aromatic spices.

Cooking the osso buco in the slow cooker on low heat for approximately 8 hours allows ample time for the meat to become tender and for the flavors to develop and intensify. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sauce infused with the aromatic flavors.

Once the cooking time is complete, the osso buco should be tender and the flavors well blended. Carefully remove the lid of the slow cooker and give the stew a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.

Serve the osso buco hot, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of tender meat, flavorful shallots, and aromatic spices. It pairs exceptionally well with creamy polenta, risotto, or mashed potatoes, as these accompaniments help soak up the flavorful sauce.

Enjoy this comforting and succulent Slow Cooker Osso Buco with your loved ones, savoring the rich flavors and tender meat that are the hallmarks of this classic Italian dish.