Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of heavenly lamb shanks. This recipe combines tender lamb shanks with aromatic herbs and vegetables, creating a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With just a little bit of preparation and patience, you can enjoy a truly heavenly meal that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 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 Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the lamb shanks to the pot and sear them on all sides until browned. Remove the shanks from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Add the beef broth, rosemary, and thyme to the pot.
- Return the lamb shanks to the pot, making sure they are partially submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the lamb shanks are tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Using tongs, carefully transfer the lamb shanks to a serving dish.
- Using a ladle, skim off any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid.
- Serve the lamb shanks with the cooking liquid as a sauce.
Interesting Facts
Lamb shanks are often considered a gourmet cut of meat due to their rich flavor and tender texture.
Slow-cooking the shanks allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a tender and succulent dish.
Red wine adds depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the lamb.
This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to accommodate different serving sizes.
Lamb shanks are a popular choice for special occasions and holiday dinners.