🍖 Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy 🌿

Posted by BMA24

This Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner. The lamb shanks are slow-cooked to tender perfection in a rich, aromatic gravy infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and vegetables. The result is melt-in-your-mouth lamb with a deep, savory sauce that’s perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

📋 Ingredients:

  • 4 lamb shanks 🐑
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
  • 1 large onion, chopped 🧅
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
  • 2 large carrots, chopped 🥕
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped 🥒
  • 1 cup red wine 🍷
  • 2 cups beef or lamb broth 🍲
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste 🍅
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 🌿
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme 🌿
  • 2 bay leaves 🌿
  • 1 tablespoon flour (optional for thickening) 🌾

📝 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lamb Shanks:

  1. Season the lamb:
  • Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper.
  1. Sear the lamb:
  • Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lamb shanks and brown them on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. Cook the vegetables:
  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  1. Add the garlic:
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Build the Gravy:

  1. Deglaze with red wine:
  • Pour the red wine into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
  1. Add tomatoes and broth:
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Mix well to combine.
  1. Add herbs:
  • Add the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Return the lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.

4. Slow-Cook the Lamb:

  1. Simmer the lamb:
  • Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the lamb shanks simmer gently for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. Alternatively, you can cook the lamb in a 325°F (160°C) oven for the same amount of time.
  1. Thicken the gravy (optional):
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk the flour into 1/4 cup of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.

5. Serve:

  1. Garnish and serve:
  • Remove the bay leaves and herb sprigs from the pot. Serve the Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread, spooning the rich herbed gravy over the top.
  1. Enjoy:
  • Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and enjoy your hearty and delicious meal!

⏱️ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 2 1/2 to 3 hours
⏱️ Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 550-600 kcal per serving

This Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy is a comforting and elegant dish with deep, robust flavors. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s sure to impress! 🍖🌿