This recipe transforms humble lamb shanks into a succulent and aromatic dish. The lamb is braised in a rich sauce infused with cilantro, garlic, and spices, resulting in tender meat that falls off the bone. The fragrant cilantro sauce adds a burst of flavor, making this dish perfect for a special occasion or family dinner. Serve the lamb shanks with a side of couscous or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the lamb shanks and sear them on all sides until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chopped cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika. Stir to combine and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return the lamb shanks to the skillet, cover with a lid or foil, and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the lamb is fork-tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Remove the lamb shanks from the skillet and place them on a serving platter.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the sauce until smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the cilantro sauce over the lamb shanks and garnish with additional cilantro, if desired.
- Serve hot with couscous or mashed potatoes.
Interesting Facts
Lamb shanks are a flavorful cut of meat from the lower section of the lamb's legs.
Cilantro, also known as coriander, adds a unique and refreshing flavor to the dish.
Braising the lamb shanks in the oven allows the meat to become tender and develop rich flavors.
This recipe can be easily adapted for slow cookers or pressure cookers for added convenience.