11/21/2024
This is a basic recipe for learning how to cook shanks and it turns out quite well - here’s the changes we made:
Do everything in the pot you’ll be cooking in. Put bay leaf in as well, about 3 leaves for the liquid in this recipe… for a richer less beefy flavour that won’t dominate the lamb use 2 cups of beef broth and 2 cups of mushroom broth, deglaze with a merlot or Pinot noir instead of the broth and add a cup of the wine in before cooking, braise on the second from bottom rack at 350 for about 2 and 1/2 hours - you can’t overcook braised lamb shanks, they’re supposed to fall off the bone - 3 hours works too… toss in a few potatoes to have flavour infused roasted potatoes. If you like a sweeter braising liquid add another carrot. If you don’t like sweetness use parsnips instead. Always cover with a heavy lid and leave it alone while it’s cooking. When done take about 1/2 the braising liquid out, put it in a sauce pot and reduce it to 1/2 - makes a beautiful glaze to drizzle over top 🙂 wanna get super creative - in the last 20 minutes of cooking, add 3/4 of a cup of couscous and you have a complete meal.
Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion
Ingredients:
4 lamb shanks
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup beef broth (additional for sauce if needed)
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper. In a large oven proof pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the lamb shanks on all sides.
Remove the shanks and set aside.
In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened.
Add 1 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Stir in another 2 cups of beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer.
Return the lamb shanks to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven.
Braise in the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 2.5 hours | Total Time: 3 hours