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1
Preheat the oven to 325.
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2
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
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3
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.
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4
Transfer the shanks to a plate.
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5
Add the herb bundle to the pot along with the mushrooms, onion, carrot and celery.
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6
Cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
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7
Add the tomatoes and wine, scrape to dislodge any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
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8
Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
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9
Return the shanks to the pot, add 10 cups of water and bring to a boil.
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10
Transfer the casserole to the oven and braise until the meat is very tender, about 2 hours.
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11
Let cool slightly.
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12
When the meat is cool enough to handle, pull the meat from the bones and return it to the pot.
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13
Discard the bones, cartilage and fat.
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14
Cover the stew and refrigerate overnight.
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15
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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16
Add the cabbage and blanch for 1 minute; drain well.
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17
Discard the fat that has solidified on the top of the stew.
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18
Rewarm the stew, then strain the broth into another large pot; reserve the meat and vegetables.
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19
Bring the broth to a simmer and add the cabbage.
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20
Cover and simmer over moderate heat until the cabbage is very tender, about 1 hour.
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21
Add the reserved meat and vegetables, season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.
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22
Preheat the oven to 350.
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23
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over moderate heat.
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24
Add half of the baguette slices in a single layer and toast until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.
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25
Wipe out the skillet and repeat with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining baguette slices.
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26
Line the bottom of a clean casserole or individual ovenproof bowls with half of the baguette toasts.
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27
Top with half of the Gruyere and fill with the stew.
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28
Cover with the remaining toasts and then with the remaining cheese.
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29
Transfer carefully to the oven and bake until the cheese is golden and bubbling, about 20 to 45 minutes.
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30
Serve hot.