Description
Braised lamb shanks are the epitome of elegance, boasting a rich, robust character that lingers on the palate long after the last bite. The magic lies in the tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that is infused with a medley of aromatic herbs, spices, and a savory sauce that tantalizes the senses. Each bite is a revelation—a harmonious amalgamation of textures, flavors, and aromas that transports you to a realm of pure gastronomic delight.
Ingredients
- 2 lamb shanks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups beef or lamb broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot oil until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- Remove the shanks from the pot and set aside.
Step 2:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3:
- Return the lamb shanks to the pot and add the chicken or beef broth and red wine (if using).
- Tie the rosemary and thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine and add them to the pot.
- Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Step 4:
- Braise the lamb shanks in the oven for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.
Step 5:
- Remove the pot from the oven and discard the herb bundle.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6:
- Serve the braised lamb shanks hot, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Equipment
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Buy Now →Notes
- Choose the right cut of lamb: Lamb shanks are a tough and flavorful cut of meat, ideal for slow cooking methods such as braising. Look for shanks with a good amount of meat on the bone and a nice layer of fat, which will melt during cooking, resulting in a tender and succulent dish.
- Flavorful liquid: Braising lamb shanks requires a flavorful liquid to create a mouthwatering dish. You can use red wine, beef broth, chicken stock, or a combination of them with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. A splash of balsamic vinegar or tomato paste can also add depth to the flavor.
- Long and slow cooking: The key to tender and juicy lamb shanks is a long and slow cooking process. After searing the shanks on all sides in a heavy pot, add the liquid and bring it to a simmer. Then, cover the pot and let it cook over low heat for at least 2-3 hours until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. You can also baste the lamb occasionally with the braising liquid to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 2hours
- Category: Holidays,OCCASION,Passover