Irresistible Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks Recipe to Savor

Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks are the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm, cozy hug, with tender meat falling off the bone and flavors that dance on your palate. Picture this: a succulent lamb shank simmering for hours, bathing in a rich sauce of red wine, garlic, and aromatic herbs. The smell wafting through your kitchen is so inviting that even your neighbor’s dog might just find a reason to pay you a visit.

Now, let me take you back to the first time I made Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks. It was during one of those chilly winter evenings when all I wanted was something hearty and comforting. I remember pulling the shanks out of the oven, their aroma enticing my family into the kitchen like moths to a flame. It was love at first bite—each forkful melting in our mouths while we shared stories over dinner, laughing until our bellies hurt. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at gatherings, this dish promises to be a showstopper on any occasion.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Lamb Shanks: Look for meaty shanks that have good marbling—this ensures tenderness and flavor.
• Red Wine: A full-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon adds depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic punch; you’re going to want plenty of them.
• Onions: Sweet onions caramelize beautifully in the slow cooker and enhance the overall flavor.
• Carrots: Sliced carrots add natural sweetness and color; they soak up all those delicious juices.
• Fresh Herbs (Rosemary and Thyme): These herbs impart fragrant notes; fresh is always better than dried!
• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness; it provides moisture during cooking.

For the Sauce:

• Tomato Paste: This thickens the sauce while adding rich tomato flavor; don’t skip it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your onions, mincing garlic, and slicing up those vibrant carrots. Gather your lamb shanks and season them generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Lamb

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, sear each lamb shank until browned on all sides—about five minutes per side should do the trick. This step locks in those savory flavors.

Step 3: Build Your Base

In your slow cooker, combine onions, garlic, carrots, tomato paste, red wine, beef broth, rosemary, and thyme. Stir well so everything mingles together like old friends.

Step 4: Add the Lamb

Gently nestle the browned lamb shanks into your aromatic mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re mostly submerged in liquid—this will help them become tender as they cook.

Step 5: Set It and Forget It

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about eight hours or high for four hours. Go about your day while dreaming of that glorious dinner awaiting you!

Step 6: Serve Up Some Happiness

Once cooked to perfection (you’ll know because your kitchen smells like heaven), transfer these beauties onto plates with some sauce drizzled over them. Pair with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for an unforgettable meal.

Your family will be thrilled as they dig into these Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks! It’s not just food; it’s an experience filled with laughter and love around the table—a recipe worthy of becoming part of your cherished traditions!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the lamb shanks until they’re browned on all sides. While they sizzle, chop your vegetables and prepare your broth. Once seared, add everything to the slow cooker and let it work its magic for hours.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs, like using rosemary instead of thyme, or toss in some root vegetables for extra flavor. A splash of red wine can elevate the dish further, making it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover slow-cooked lamb shanks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or use a microwave until heated through.

I once made slow-cooked lamb shanks for a dinner party, and my friends were convinced I’d been slaving away in the kitchen all day. Little did they know, I just set it and forgot it!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks?

To prepare Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks, you will need lamb shanks, onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Additionally, gather tomato paste, red wine or beef broth, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. These ingredients work together to create a rich flavor profile that infuses the lamb as it cooks. Make sure to choose good quality meat for the best results. Fresh herbs enhance the dish’s aroma and taste. You can also add potatoes for an extra hearty meal.

How long does it take to cook Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks?

Cooking Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks usually takes around 6 to 8 hours in a slow cooker on low heat. If you’re using an oven set at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C), it may take approximately 4 to 5 hours. The goal is to allow the meat to become tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious. Patience is key here; longer cooking times lead to richer flavors and a more succulent texture.

Can I make Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks ahead of time?

Yes, you can certainly make Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks ahead of time! In fact, this dish often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. After cooking, let the shanks cool completely before refrigerating them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the oven until warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or special occasions where you want to minimize time spent cooking.

What should I serve with Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks?

Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks pair beautifully with various side dishes. Consider serving them with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta which soak up the savory sauce perfectly. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad can provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor. For something heartier, offer crusty bread for dipping in the rich sauce. Choose sides that complement the robust flavors of the lamb while balancing your meal.

Conclusion for Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks:

In summary, Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks are an impressive yet straightforward dish perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients like lamb shanks and fresh herbs, you can create a meal that is both flavorful and comforting. The long cooking time allows for maximum tenderness and depth of flavor. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weekend or prepared ahead for busy days, this recipe guarantees satisfaction at your dining table. Embrace the ease of slow cooking and savor every bite of this delightful dish!

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Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks

• Author: Camiliya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

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Description

Indulge in tender, slow-cooked lamb shanks simmered with aromatic herbs and vegetables for a comforting, flavorful meal that warms the soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 lamb shanks (about 1 pound each)
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots. Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of oil. Once hot, sear each lamb shank until browned on all sides (about five minutes per side).
3. In your slow cooker, combine chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, tomato paste, beef broth, rosemary, and thyme. Stir well to mix.
4. Gently place the browned lamb shanks into the slow cooker mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged in liquid.
5. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about eight hours or high for four hours.
6. Once cooked to perfection and aromatic, transfer the lamb shanks onto plates with sauce drizzled over them. Pair with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for an unforgettable meal.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 lamb shank (approx. 250g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: - For added flavor variations, swap out herbs or include root vegetables. - Allow leftovers to cool before storing in an airtight container for up to three days.