Ingredients
Scale
- For the Lamb Shanks:
- 2 large lamb shanks (or 4 smaller shanks)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 8 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tablespoon roasted garlic paste
- 1 large bunch fresh rosemary (approx. 0.75 oz)
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup fresh plum tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons red wine reduction
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Season lamb shanks generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown lamb shanks on all sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add smashed garlic, roasted garlic paste, and cook 1 minute more.
- Add rosemary, thyme, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, smoked paprika, cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for 1 minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Return lamb shanks to the pot. Pour in chicken stock and red wine reduction. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and transfer to oven. Braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, until meat is fall-apart tender.
- Remove from oven. Discard herb sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves. Skim excess fat if desired.
- Serve lamb shanks with the braising liquid as gravy over creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
For the roasted garlic paste, roast whole garlic heads at 400°F for 40 minutes, then squeeze out the soft cloves and mash. The red wine reduction can be substituted with 1/2 cup dry red wine reduced by half.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 55g