Osso bucco Recipe | Lamb and Beef

6-8	(3cm thick) pieces osso bucco
1	small onion, finely diced
1	small carrot, finely diced
2	small sticks celery, finely diced
1 tbps	plain flour
2 cups	beef stock
1	bay leaf (optional)
0.5 cup	white wine
0.5 cup	tomato puree
	Lemon and parsley garnish
1	clove garlic, very finely chopped
	finely grated rind 2 lemons
	handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped

1	Preheat oven to 180°C. Season the osso bucco with salt and pepper, add about 2 tablespoons of oil, and mix well. Heat a large frypan over a medium-high heat. Brown the osso bucco in 2 or 3 batches. Remove each batch and place in a large casserole dish.
2	Reduce heat in the pan, add a little oil, and the diced onion, carrot and celery, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3	Sprinkle in flour and stir until the vegetables are coated. Gradually pour in the combined wine, puree and stock. Stir until the mixture boils, add bay leaf and then pour over the osso bucco. Cover the casserole dish, place in oven.
4	Check every 40 minutes or so and add water if needed to keep the ingredients just covered. cook until the osso bucco is very tender. Sprinkle with the lemon and parsley garnish to serve. To make lemon and parsley garnish: Combine all ingredients and season with freshly ground salt and pepper.
5	Cooktop method: Place the browned osso buco and other ingredients in a heavy based pot. Partially cover and keep heat low. Stir occasionally and add water if needed during the cooking time to keep ingredients well covered. Simmer until the meat is very tender.

1	Don't rush the initial stage of browning the meat. This will make your casserole rich in colour and flavour. Brown the meat in small batches over a medium-high heat.
2	Simmer the casserole gently and taste it to see if it's ready. Stir occasionally and adjust the heat as it cooks if needed. When it's done the meat should be tender enough to fall apart easily with a fork.
3	A casserole will keep for up to 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. Casseroles should be refrigerated immediately after the steam from cooking has evaporated. Place the hot casserole into a shallow container, and then into the fridge so it cools quickly. Do not leave it to cool completely on the bench. To serve bring it slowly to the boil over a medium heat, reduce heat and simmer for about 3 minutes, or until the meat and sauce are both thoroughly hot.