Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 pounds meaty beef shanks, cut 1 1/2 inches thick
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 2 flat-leaf parsley sprigs
  • 2 thyme sprigs
  • 1 rosemary sprig
  • 1 bay leaf, tied in a cheesecloth bundle with the parsley, thyme and rosemary
  • 1/2 pound white mushrooms, stems discarded and thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 large carrot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 2 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 2 large tomatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 2 cups dry red wine
  • One 2-pound head of savoy cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 baguette, sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick
  • 1/2 pound Gruyere cheese, shredded

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 325.
  • In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
  • Season the beef shanks with salt and pepper and brown them in the oil over moderately high heat, about 2 1/2 minutes per side.
  • Transfer the shanks to a plate.
  • Add the herb bundle to the pot along with the mushrooms, onion, carrot and celery.
  • Cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and wine, scrape to dislodge any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
  • Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Return the shanks to the pot, add 10 cups of water and bring to a boil.
  • Transfer the casserole to the oven and braise until the meat is very tender, about 2 hours.
  • Let cool slightly.
  • When the meat is cool enough to handle, pull the meat from the bones and return it to the pot.
  • Discard the bones, cartilage and fat.
  • Cover the stew and refrigerate overnight.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the cabbage and blanch for 1 minute; drain well.
  • Discard the fat that has solidified on the top of the stew.
  • Rewarm the stew, then strain the broth into another large pot; reserve the meat and vegetables.
  • Bring the broth to a simmer and add the cabbage.
  • Cover and simmer over moderate heat until the cabbage is very tender, about 1 hour.
  • Add the reserved meat and vegetables, season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.
  • Preheat the oven to 350.
  • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over moderate heat.
  • Add half of the baguette slices in a single layer and toast until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.
  • Wipe out the skillet and repeat with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining baguette slices.
  • Line the bottom of a clean casserole or individual ovenproof bowls with half of the baguette toasts.
  • Top with half of the Gruyere and fill with the stew.
  • Cover with the remaining toasts and then with the remaining cheese.
  • Transfer carefully to the oven and bake until the cheese is golden and bubbling, about 20 to 45 minutes.
  • Serve hot.