Baked Lamb Shanks

Baked Lamb Shanks Recipe - Delicious & Flavorful

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Baked Lamb Shanks is a classic recipe that brings the rich flavors of lamb, combined with aromatic herbs and spices, to your dining table. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. The lamb shanks are slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring they are tender and fall off the bone, while the blend of spices and herbs adds a depth of flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated.

History

The tradition of cooking lamb shanks dates back centuries and spans many cultures. Originally, this dish was a way to make use of tougher cuts of meat that required longer cooking times. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved recipe in many cuisines, from the Mediterranean to the Middle East, each adding its unique twist to the dish. The version presented here is a fusion of flavors that pays homage to its rich history while offering a modern take on this timeless classic.

Ingredients

4 lamb shanks, koshered, well trimmed, cut into 6 pieces
1 tsp sage
1 tsp curry powder
1.5 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
3 tbsp minced shallot
0.33 cup minced onion
0.33 cup minced green bell pepper
3 tbsp worcestershire sauce
0.25 cup tomato juice
0.25 cup dry red wine (optional)
0.5 cup chicken stock (or more)
minced fresh basil or dill

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Wash the meat under hot running water and dry it well.
Prick the meat in several places.
Combine the seasoning and rub it all over the meat.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large enameled Dutch oven.
Add the meat and brown it over medium heat on one side.
Scoop up the meat with a spatula and turn it over.
Add the remaining oil and minced ingredients.
Stir and cook with the meat until the mixture lightly browns.
Pour off any fat.
Combine Worcestershire sauce with tomato juice, wine, and 0.5 cup of stock.
Pour the mixture around the sides of the pot.
Bring it to a boil.
Cover the pot and bake it in the center of the oven for 30 minutes.
Turn the meat and baste it.
Re-cover the pot and bake it for 1 hour longer, turning and basting every 20 minutes (add some of the remaining stock if the liquid evaporates before cooking is completed).
Stir salt into the sauce, then spoon it over the meat.
Serve the meat on warmed individual plates sprinkled with basil or dill.

Variations

For a Mediterranean twist, add olives, lemon zest, and feta cheese to the dish.
Incorporate root vegetables like carrots and parsnips into the pot for a one-dish meal.
For a Middle Eastern flavor, use spices like cumin, coriander, and a touch of cinnamon.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Baked Lamb Shanks turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Always brown the lamb shanks before baking to lock in flavors.

- Use a heavy, oven-proof pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking and retain moisture.

- Don’t skip the step of basting the lamb during cooking; it adds flavor and prevents drying out.

- Let the lamb rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lamb shanks on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice makes a refreshing side.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the lamb shanks before baking is crucial for developing depth of flavor. Slow baking in a covered pot ensures the meat becomes tender and flavorful as it absorbs the spices and aromatics.

Ingredient Substitutions

If lamb shanks are unavailable, beef shanks can be used as an alternative.

- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs; use one-third the amount specified.

- Chicken stock can be replaced with vegetable stock for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared a day in advance, enhancing the flavors as the ingredients meld together. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the lamb shanks with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a pop of color. Serve in a deep dish to showcase the succulent meat and flavorful sauce.

Pairing Recommendations

A robust red wine, such as a Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the lamb. For a non-alcoholic option, a rich, dark grape juice or pomegranate juice offers a complementary sweetness.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a little stock or water to keep the meat moist.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Baked Lamb Shanks contains approximately 400 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying option that fits well into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the onions, green bell peppers, and tomato juice. The total carbohydrate content per serving is approximately 10 grams, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

Lamb is known for its higher fat content, but choosing well-trimmed shanks and using olive oil helps keep the fat content in check. Each serving contains about 20 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. The use of olive oil adds a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats.

Proteins

Lamb shanks are an excellent source of high-quality protein. Each serving of this dish provides roughly 35 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium, thanks to the lamb. The vegetables add vitamins C and K, along with folate and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, those with sensitivities to specific spices or ingredients should adjust the recipe accordingly.

Summary

Baked Lamb Shanks is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a good balance of proteins, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, with a moderate calorie count. It's a hearty, satisfying meal that supports a healthy diet.

Summary

Baked Lamb Shanks is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender lamb with aromatic herbs and spices. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. With its impressive presentation and delicious taste, it's sure to become a favorite for special occasions or a comforting family meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a cold winter's day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and tattered, but the recipes within were like treasure to me.

As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Baked Lamb Shanks. The description promised tender, juicy meat that fell off the bone, infused with a rich, savory sauce. My mouth watered just thinking about it.

I had never made lamb shanks before, but something about this recipe called to me. I could almost picture the dish in my mind's eye, sitting on the dining table surrounded by my family, the aroma filling the room and warming our hearts.

I decided then and there that I had to try it. I set out to gather the ingredients, making a list and heading to the market to pick up the freshest lamb shanks I could find. I could feel the excitement building within me as I prepared to embark on this culinary adventure.

Back in my kitchen, I set to work following the recipe to the letter. I seasoned the lamb shanks with salt, pepper, and a blend of herbs and spices that filled the air with their fragrant aroma. I seared the meat in a hot pan, browning it on all sides to lock in the juices and create a beautiful crust.

Next, I chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing them in the same pan until they were soft and caramelized. I added garlic, tomato paste, and a splash of red wine, deglazing the pan and creating a rich, flavorful sauce.

I placed the lamb shanks in a baking dish, pouring the sauce over the top and covering it tightly with foil. I popped it in the oven and waited, the tantalizing scent of roasting meat filling my kitchen and making my stomach growl in anticipation.

Finally, the timer dinged, and I pulled the dish from the oven. The lamb shanks were tender and succulent, the meat practically falling off the bone. The sauce was thick and velvety, with a depth of flavor that made my taste buds sing.

I served the Baked Lamb Shanks to my family, their eyes widening in delight as they took their first bite. The meat was so tender, it practically melted in our mouths, and the sauce was a symphony of flavors that danced on our tongues.

As we sat around the table, savoring each bite, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This recipe, with its tantalizing aroma and mouth-watering taste, had brought us together in a way that only food can.

From that day on, Baked Lamb Shanks became a staple in our household, a dish that we would turn to time and time again for special occasions and family gatherings. I had learned to make it from a simple recipe in an old cookbook, but it had become so much more than that. It had become a part of our family's story, a tradition that would be passed down through the generations.

And as I watched my loved ones enjoy the dish that I had created, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a meal—it was a memory, a moment shared with those I cherished most. And for that, I would always be grateful.