Whip up delicious Italian vegan osso buco at home
Osso buco is a classic Italian dish traditionally made with braised veal shanks, vegetables, white wine, and broth. Our vegan adaptation substitutes meat with robust vegetables to craft a rich, satisfying meal without using animal products. This version preserves the dish's Italian heritage, offering a delightful option for those on vegetarian or vegan diets. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this vegan osso buco, gather two large chopped carrots, two chopped celery stalks, one chopped large onion, four minced garlic cloves, four thickly sliced large portobello mushrooms (stems removed), one cup vegetable broth, a 14.1-ounce can of diced tomatoes, one teaspoon dried thyme, one teaspoon dried rosemary, salt, pepper to taste, two tablespoons olive oil for cooking, and fresh parsley for garnish.
Preparing the vegetables
Begin by warming the olive oil in a sizable pan over a medium flame. Then, introduce the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into the pan. Gently saute these ingredients for about five minutes or until they exhibit signs of softening. This initial step is pivotal as it lays the foundational flavor for our vegan osso buco dish, ensuring a rich taste profile.
Cooking the "shanks"
Add the sliced portobello mushrooms to the pan with the softened vegetables. Cook for about eight minutes or until they begin to brown and release moisture. These mushrooms act as our meat substitute, and browning them well is crucial. This process ensures they develop a rich flavor, reminiscent of traditional osso buco, enriching the dish's overall taste profile.
Adding liquids and simmering
Once your mushrooms have browned nicely, add in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well then bring it to a simmer. Reduce heat slightly but maintain a gentle simmer for about 30 minutes uncovered or until most liquid has reduced down creating a thick sauce around your vegetables.
Final touches & serving
After simmering, adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed. Generously garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which absorb the delicious sauce for an authentic Italian experience at home. This vegan twist maintains the classic's warmth and comfort, offering rich flavors and hearty ingredients without sacrificing tradition or taste.
