1 (750-milliliter)
dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
1 cup
beef stock
2 tablespoons
salted butter
For Serving (optional)
Creamy Polenta
Cooked egg noodles
Mashed Potatoes
chopped fresh flat- leaf parsley leaves
Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center position. Pat the beef shanks dry with paper towels and season all over with the salt and pepper.
In an oven-proof braiser or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is glistening, working in batches, add the shanks and cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining shanks.
To the same braiser over medium heat, add the celery, carrots, and onion and cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring until fragrant, about 1 more minute. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Add 2¼ cups of the wine and the beef stock to the braiser and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring, until the stock and tomato paste are fully incorporated, about 2 minutes. Return the beef shanks to the braiser, cover, and place in the oven. Cook until the beef is very tender and falling off the bone, 60 to 90 minutes.
Transfer the braiser to the stovetop, over medium-high heat. Transfer the shanks to a serving platter. Add the remaining ¾ cup of wine and the butter to the braiser and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and thickened, about 5 minutes.
Serve the shanks over polenta, egg noodles or mashed potatoes, if desired. Drizzle with the pan sauce and sprinkle with parsley.