Tender Braised Lamb Shanks

Tender Braised Lamb Shanks

Introduction

Tender Braised Lamb Shanks are a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. The meat becomes so tender, it practically falls off the bone! This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to make, making it a wonderful choice for a family dinner.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Tender Braised Lamb Shanks is a great way to impress your family and friends with a hearty meal. The rich flavors from the red wine and herbs bring out the best in lamb. Plus, the slow cooking makes it a perfect dish for weekends or when you have some time to relax and enjoy cooking.

How to Make Tender Braised Lamb Shanks

Ingredients:

• 4 lamb shanks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper on all sides.
3. In a large, oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb shanks and brown them on all sides. Remove the shanks and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Add the red wine to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by half.
7. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest. Return the lamb shanks to the pot.
8. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
9. Braise the lamb shanks in the oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
10. Remove the pot from the oven and let the shanks rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Tender Braised Lamb Shanks

Serve your tender lamb shanks with some mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. The rich sauce pairs beautifully with crusty bread, too. Your family will love this hearty meal!

How to Store Tender Braised Lamb Shanks

If you have leftovers, let the lamb shanks cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat them gently when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Tips to Make Tender Braised Lamb Shanks

• Make sure to brown the lamb shanks well for the best flavor.
• You can use a slow cooker if you prefer to cook it that way. Just adjust the cooking time.
• Don’t skip on the herbs; they really enhance the flavor!

Variation

If you want to try something different, you can add some vegetables like potatoes or turnips to the pot while it cooks. This makes for a complete meal in one dish!

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes! You can use beef shanks or even chicken thighs if you prefer.

2. How can I make it spicier?
For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables.

3. Is there a way to make this recipe quicker?
For a quicker version, you can pressure cook the lamb shanks instead of braising them in the oven. Just follow the pressure cooker instructions for cooking meat.