Preheat electric oven to 325°F. Season the shanks with salt; lightly dredge in flour. In a heavy covered skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil. Add shanks and brown on all sides until golden brown. Remove shanks and drain excess oil. In the same skillet, add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for a few minutes. Add the tomatoes, including liquid, and rosemary. Return the shanks to the skillet and add water to barely cover the shanks. Cover and bake in the oven for 2 hours, or until shanks are tender. Remove the shanks from the skillet; set aside and keep warm. Return skillet to cooktop and simmer the sauce, uncovered, until liquid is reduced and the sauce is slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper. To serve, spoon Easy Polenta on a large serving dish; top with shanks and sauce; serve extra sauce on the side. Makes 4 servings.
Easy Polenta:
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil; add the polenta while slowly mixing with a wire whisk. Add the bacon, garlic, salt, pepper, and sage. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until thickened. Makes 4 servings.
