Tender Braised Lamb Shanks
This dish features melt-in-your-mouth lamb shanks braised in a rich, aromatic sauce, perfect for celebrations or comforting family dinners.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 600kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces lamb shanks, trimmed if necessary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
- 2 tables onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pieces carrots, diced
- 2 pieces celery stalks, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 pieces bay leaves
Instructions
Preparation
- Generously season the lamb shanks with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large, ovenproof pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the lamb shanks on all sides until golden-brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shanks and set aside.
Building the Flavor Base
- Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and garlic, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the diced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Braising
- Return the shanks to the pot and pour in the beef broth until shanks are partially submerged.
- Add rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Slow Cooking
- Cover and bake in preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
Serving
- Remove bay leaves and herb stems, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the shanks over creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or couscous, spooning the sauce over.
Notes
Consider marinating the meat overnight for deeper flavors. Use a pressure cooker for reduced cooking time. Top with freshly chopped parsley for garnish.