Braised lamb shanks are a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends. It’s a classic recipe that is simple to make but incredibly flavorful and satisfying. With a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious meal that will impress your guests and leave everyone feeling warm and satisfied.
Ingredients:
To make braised lamb shanks, you’ll need:
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup of red wine
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Here’s how to make braised lamb shanks:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the lamb shanks to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 8-10 minutes total.
- Remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside.
- Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add the red wine to the pot and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the beef broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
- Return the lamb shanks to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the oven.
- Braise the lamb shanks in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Use tongs to remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside.
- Skim any fat from the top of the cooking liquid and discard it.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the cooking liquid to a blender and puree it until smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the lamb shanks to the pot and spoon the sauce over them.
- Cover the pot and heat it over low heat until the lamb shanks are warmed through.
- Serve the braised lamb shanks with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Tips:
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect braised lamb shanks:
- Use a good quality red wine for the recipe. It will add flavor to the sauce and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Make sure the lamb shanks are completely submerged in the liquid to ensure they cook evenly and stay tender.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender to puree the sauce. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before blending and only fill the blender halfway to avoid any accidents.
- You can make the dish ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will only improve with time.
Conclusion:
Braised lamb shanks are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will impress your guests and leave everyone feeling warm and happy. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious braised lamb shanks can be!
