slow cooking lamb shanks recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best slow cooking lamb shanks recipe

I’ve always been a fan of slow cooking lamb shanks, and for good reason. This hearty dish has a rich history that spans across various cultures, with its roots in ancient Greek and Roman cuisine.

The slow cooking technique allows the meat to become tender and fall-off-the-bone, infusing it with a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched. My family loves this recipe, and it’s a staple in our household for special occasions or just a weeknight dinner.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep work and attention once it’s in the pot. I’ve found that the key to success lies in using high-quality ingredients and letting the lamb cook slowly over low heat.

The result is a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for serving a crowd or just enjoying on a cozy evening in with the family. One of the things I love about slow cooking is how it brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, without needing to add too much extra seasoning or spices.

The lamb absorbs all the juices and aromas of the sauce, creating a truly satisfying experience for the taste buds. I often think about how this recipe would have been prepared in ancient times, with cooks patiently tending to their stews over open flames.

While we may have modernized our cooking methods, the essence of this dish remains unchanged – it’s still a labor of love that rewards patience and attention to detail.

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables

4.9 from 1560 votes

This slow cooked lamb shanks recipe is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. Tender lamb shanks are slow-cooked with root vegetables until they fall off the bone, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

4 lamb shanks
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
2 medium onions, peeled and quartered
4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
2 cups red wine
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper.
2Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
3Brown the lamb shanks on all sides until well-browned, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4Remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set aside.
5In the same pot, add the carrots, parsnips, onions, and garlic.
6Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
7Stir in the flour to coat the vegetables, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and release any browned bits.
9Add the beef broth, tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
10Stir well to combine.
11Return the lamb shanks to the pot, submerging them in the liquid.
12Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 2.
5-3 hours, or until the lamb is tender and falls off the bone.
13Once the lamb is tender, remove the rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
14Skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce.
15Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
16Serve the lamb shanks with the root vegetables and spoon the rich sauce over the top.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker or Dutch oven
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, sear the lamb shanks in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. You can also add potatoes to the dish if you prefer more vegetables.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables Works

This slow-cooked lamb shanks recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just an everyday meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – you can serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal, or pair it with some crusty bread and salad for a more substantial meal.

When storing leftovers, make sure they’re cooled completely before refrigerating or freezing them. You can reheat individual portions by microwaving them gently until warmed through.

Alternatively, you can reheat larger quantities over low heat on your stovetop while keeping an eye on them to avoid overheating.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables

Q: What type of lamb shanks are best for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use meaty lamb shanks with plenty of marbling – this will ensure they stay moist during the slow cooking process.

Q: Can I use boneless lamb shanks?

No, boneless lamb shanks won’t provide the same level of flavor and texture as those with bones.

Q: How long does slow cooking take?

The cooking time will depend on your schedule, but you can expect to spend at least 6 hours over low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat.

Q: What’s the purpose of browning the lamb before slow cooking?

This step creates a flavorful crust on the lamb, which enhances its overall taste when paired with the rich sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for use in a pressure cooker – however, be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.

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