Braised Lamb Shanks with Rosemary and Red Wine: Comfort Food, Elevated

Alright, let's dive into the delightful world of braised lamb shanks! ever had one of those days where only proper comfort food will do? well, honestly, that's most days for me.

But this lamb shank recipe ? it's next level cosy. it's the kind of meal that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Cosy Comfort: Your New Favourite Lamb Shank Recipe

Have you ever wondered where the magic of slowly braised meat comes from? i have. this lamb shank recipe isn't just food; it's an experience.

Think rich, fall off-the-bone lamb in a luscious sauce. originating from classic european cuisine, braising transforms tougher cuts into melt-in-your mouth deliciousness.

This recipe is a solid medium difficulty. expect about 20 minutes of prep and then a leisurely 3 to 3.

5 hours of braising. this will feed 4 hungry souls.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This Braised Lamb

One of the best things? lamb is packed with protein and iron. it's a real winner. this recipe elevates it to something truly special.

It's absolutely perfect for a sunday roast, a fancy dinner party, or just when you fancy treating yourself like royalty.

What makes this recipe special? the depth of flavour. that rich red wine and rosemary combo? chefs kiss!. plus, the feeling of accomplishment when you pull those perfectly tender slow cook lamb shanks from the oven? unbeatable.

Time to gather your ingredients. don't forget the red wine. you know, for the dish and the chef!. we’ll be needing 4 lamb shanks, a glug of olive oil, an onion, carrots, celery, garlic, tomato paste, red wine, beef broth, rosemary, bay leaf, salt and pepper.

Flour is optional to thicken the sauce if you fancy. then, parsley for garnish.

Speaking of winter, you know what would hit the spot? Some other Winter Lamb Recipes .

Right then, let's talk Ingredients & Equipment for this incredible lamb shank recipe ! Honestly, getting the right bits and bobs together is half the battle, innit? Think of it as prepping for a good cuppa you wouldn't skimp on the tea, would you?

Core Components for Your Lamb Shanks

Okay, first up, the stars of the show:

• 4 Lamb Shanks: Aim for about 12-14 oz (340-400g) each. You want ones that look juicy and have a good bit of meat on 'em. If you're looking for quality indicators, the lamb should be a nice pinkish red, not too pale or dark. And definitely not smelly, yeah?
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Olive Oil: Standard stuff, really. Just something to get a good sear on those shanks.
• 1 large Onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150g): Brown or yellow is grand.
• 2 Carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup/120g): Gives it that sweetness, you know?
• 2 Celery Stalks, chopped (about 1 cup/100g): Adds a bit of herby depth.
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp/10g): Can’t go wrong with garlic, can ya?
• 1 tbsp (15g) Tomato Paste: For richness.
• 1 cup (240 ml) Dry Red Wine: Go for a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Nothing too fancy, but something you’d actually drink.
• 2 cups (480 ml) Beef Broth: Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
• 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary: If you’re doing winter lamb recipes , fresh rosemary is an absolute must!
• 1 Bay Leaf: Adds that subtle, herby thing.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, obviously. Don’t be shy!
• 1 tbsp (8g) All-Purpose Flour (optional): For thickening the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish. Makes it look proper posh.

Seasoning & Flavour: The Secret Sauce

The magic, really, is in how the flavours all come together. essential spice combo? rosemary and garlic. flavour enhancers? honestly, the red wine does most of the heavy lifting.

Aromatics? apart from the garlic, rosemary, and bay leaf, maybe chuck in a few thyme sprigs if you're feeling fancy.

Now, if you're caught short, dried herbs will do in a pinch. use about 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary instead of the fresh sprigs.

Honestly, it won't be quite the same, but it'll do.

Essential Kit

Right, what you'll need:

• A Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Bottomed Pot with a Lid: This is key. It needs to go in the oven.
• Tongs: For turning the lamb shanks without stabbing them.
• Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Obvious, really.

Now, if you don't have a dutch oven, a large, oven safe pot with a tight fitting lid will do. even a lamb shank recipe slow cooker or braised lamb shanks slow cooker is your friend and could work great, though the flavour might be slightly different.

In fact slow cook lamb shanks are super easy and a fantastic way to cook this, you could even use crockpot lamb chops .

So, there you have it! all the bits and bobs you need for a cracking easy lamb shank recipe . now, let’s get cooking! i once tried making these with frozen carrots, and honestly, the texture was awful.

Fresh veg makes all the difference. trust me on this one! let’s see how to cook lamb shanks properly, shall we?

Cooking Method: Braising Lamb Shanks Like a Pro

Alright, let's talk about braising! honestly, it’s one of my favourite cooking methods, especially when it comes to transforming tough cuts of meat into fall off-the-bone deliciousness.

And trust me, a lamb shank recipe is the perfect canvas for braising. it's the ideal cooking method for winter lamb recipes.

Prep Like a Boss: Your Mise en Place

First things first, mise en place , darling! get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. chop 1 large onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks.

Mince 3 cloves garlic. pat those 4 lamb shanks dry. season generously with salt and pepper. i'm telling you, organisation is key! it can save you so much time.

If you're anything like me, trying to do it all at once is a recipe for disaster.

step-by-step: Braising Brilliance

1. Sear those lamb shanks in 1 tbsp of olive oil. Get them nice and brown on all sides in your Dutch oven. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft, about 5- 7 minutes . Add garlic and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for another 1 minute .
3. Deglaze with 1 cup of red wine. Scrape up all those yummy browned bits! Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Add 2 cups beef broth, 2 rosemary sprigs, and 1 bay leaf.
5. Return those lamb shanks to the pot! Make sure they are mostly covered.
6. Braise! Cover and bake at 325° F ( 160° C) for 3-3. 5 hours . Check for fork tenderness.
7. Thicken (optional): Whisk 1 tbsp of flour into a slurry with cold water. Stir into sauce, simmer for 5 minutes . Remove herbs.
8. Serve! Spoon that luscious sauce over the lamb. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips: Secret Braising Weapons

Honestly, don't overcrowd the pan when searing . sear the lamb shanks in batches. it guarantees maximum browning. a good sear equals good flavour, you know? and if you want to get super fancy, marinate the shanks overnight.

Red wine, garlic, and herbs? oh my gosh, yes! be careful when handling hot pots! you don’t want to burn yourself! this easy lamb shank recipe can get dangerous! i've made that mistake enough times, and trust me, it’s not fun.

I think now that I remember my grandmother's recipe is a great version of Braised Leg Of Lamb Recipes , which is quite similar to my lamb shank recipe slow cooker version.

So there you have it! a foolproof guide to braised lamb shanks. serve it up with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.

Prepare to be amazed! and hey, you can totally adapt this into a slow cook lamb shanks recipe too.

Alright, here's that "Recipe Notes" section you wanted for your amazing lamb shank recipe article. I'm picturing that cozy Sunday dinner vibe already!

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Lamb Shank Dish

Honestly, sometimes the best part of a recipe are those little extra tips and tricks! these are the things that elevate a good dish to a great dish.

I’m sharing what i've learned while trying different winter lamb recipes

Plating Like a Pro & Pairing Perfection

Presentation matters, doesn’t it? for these braised beauties, think rustic chic. a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

For sides? roasted root vegetables, like carrots and parsnips are always a winner. and you know what? a good crusty bread is essential for mopping up that incredible sauce.

Trust me. as for drinks? a glass of the same red wine you used in the recipe is always a good idea.

You could try braised leg of lamb recipes with these sides too.

Leftover Lamb Love: Storage Smarts

So, you’ve got leftovers? lucky you! refrigerate the lamb shanks in an airtight container for up to 3 days. for longer storage, freezing is totally doable.

Wrap the shanks tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. they'll keep for up to 2 months. reheating? gently does it! low and slow in the oven with a bit of the braising liquid is best.

Or, if you’re in a rush, the microwave works too!

Remixing the Recipe: Variations for Everyone

Want to shake things up? if you're watching your carbs, try serving the lamb shanks with mashed cauliflower. it's surprisingly delicious.

Thinking of seasonal swaps? in the spring, try adding some fresh peas and asparagus to the braising liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

It’s so fresh and lovely. i've been experimenting with braised lamb shanks slow cooker .

Nutrition Nuggets

Each serving clocks in around 550 calories. you're looking at a hefty 45g of protein which is great for muscle building! 30g of fat (healthy fats!), and about 15g of carbs.

It has 3g fiber and 5g sugar. plus, lamb is packed with iron and vitamin b12. fuel up. check out slow cook lamb shanks for a healthy dinner.

I know that diving into something like how to cook lamb shanks can feel intimidating, but trust me, it’s easier than you think! slow cook lamb chops and crockpot lamb chops are easier too.

And honestly, that feeling of accomplishment when you pull those tender, flavorful shanks out of the oven? totally worth it.

You've totally got this! plus, it's easier than you think, i have a easy lamb shank recipe