Osso Buco and Homemade Strozzapreti with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

This is always one of my all time favorites and most people are scared to make it themselves. It is really not hard and it is worth it! The pasta can easily replaced with any store bought rolled pasta like gemelli, but if you have the time and desire, alot of fun to make your own.

Osso Buco
4 veal shanks, cut 2-3 inches thick (about 1 lb each)
1 large carrot, coarsely chopped
1 red onion, coarsely chopped
1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped
Salt and pepper
Flour to coat shanks
1 can Tomato Sauce
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup white wine
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)

To prepare
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Season the shanks with flour, salt and pepper. In a heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil at medium-high heat. Place the shanks in the pan and brown both sides, about 10 minutes. Remove the shanks and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium, add onions, carrots, celery and herbs, stirring regularly, until golden brown , another 10 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, chicken stock and wine and bring to a boil. Place shanks back into roasting dish, and pour over mixture making sure they are 2/3 covered. Cover with lid or aluminum foil. Cook in in oven for about 3 hours until meat is nearly falling off the bone.


Strozzapreti with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Homemade Pasta
2 cups flour
3 eggs
pinch salt

To Perpare - On a large cutting board, place flour in mound with the middle hollowed out. Put eggs and salt in middle and beat with fork. With floured hands knead the dough until it is a soft smooth ball. You might need to add a touch of water or more flour to get the right consitency. Place ball in bowl and cover with platic wrap in fridge for at least 1/2 an hour.

When ready roll out until about 1/6th" thick (1-1/2-2mm). This rolled out to me to be about the size of my cutting board - 1-1/2' X 2'. Slice into slices about 1/2" thick and 1-1/2" long. Fold each piece in 1/2 then roll with you fingers.

Add to saled, boiling water. When pasta floats to top it is ready (about 5 to 7 minutes).

Cherry Tomato Sauce
1 red onion, coarsely chopped
1 head garlic crushed
1/3 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 package , 16oz , cherry tomatoes cut in 1/2.

To Prepare
Heat olive oil in large sauce pan at medium high heat. Add onions and cook until softened. Add garlic salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Add pasta to pan, toss and serve.