Oven-braised Lamb
Oven-Braised Lamb Recipe: Delicious and Flavorful
Introduction
Oven-braised lamb is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. The tender lamb shanks are cooked low and slow in a flavorful tomato sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.
History
Braising is a cooking technique that involves browning meat and then simmering it in a flavorful liquid until it is tender. This method has been used for centuries to create rich and flavorful dishes, and oven-braised lamb is no exception. The combination of tender lamb shanks and a savory tomato sauce is a classic pairing that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 chopped green pepper
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp white granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp grated lemon rind
- 0.25 cup beef bouillon
How to prepare
- Heat oil to medium and add lamb shanks.
- Cook over medium heat until lamb shanks are browned on all sides.
- Remove lamb shanks.
- Add onions, green pepper, and garlic, and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Place lamb shanks in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish.
- Top with tomato sauce mixture.
- Cover and bake in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 2 hours, or until lamb shanks are tender.
Variations
- For a twist on this classic recipe, try adding a splash of red wine or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the tomato sauce.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to brown the lamb shanks well before adding them to the tomato sauce. This will help to develop a rich flavor in the dish.
- Be sure to cook the onions, green pepper, and garlic until they are soft and fragrant before adding the remaining ingredients. This will help to build layers of flavor in the sauce.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or a lid before baking to ensure that the lamb shanks stay moist and tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven-braised lamb shanks over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cooking Techniques
Braising is a cooking technique that involves browning meat and then simmering it in a flavorful liquid until it is tender. This method helps to infuse the meat with flavor and create a rich and delicious sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have lamb shanks, you can use lamb shoulder or leg instead. You can also substitute the beef bouillon with chicken or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply prepare the lamb shanks and tomato sauce as directed, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the oven-braised lamb shanks with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful and elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a rich and creamy side dish like risotto or polenta.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
12g per serving
Fats
18g per serving
Proteins
32g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies before serving.
Summary
This dish is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Oven-braised lamb is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. The tender lamb shanks are cooked low and slow in a flavorful tomato sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for oven-braised lamb. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the countryside. My grandmother, who was a formidable cook in her own right, had received a visit from a distant relative who had traveled from a far-off land. This relative, a wise and worldly woman, brought with her a treasure trove of recipes and culinary secrets that she was eager to share.
As I watched in awe, my grandmother and this relative worked side by side in the kitchen, their hands moving deftly as they chopped, stirred, and seasoned with a practiced ease. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs, and I could hardly contain my excitement as I peeked over their shoulders, trying to absorb every detail of their culinary alchemy.
One particular recipe caught my eye – a succulent and tender oven-braised lamb that seemed to promise a taste of heaven itself. The relative explained that this dish was a specialty from her homeland, where lamb was a staple meat and was cooked in a variety of ways to bring out its rich and savory flavors.
I watched with rapt attention as she prepared the lamb, marinating it in a fragrant blend of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil before transferring it to a roasting pan and placing it in the oven to slowly braise to perfection. The hours seemed to stretch on endlessly as the lamb cooked, filling the house with an irresistible aroma that made my stomach growl in anticipation.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived – the lamb was pulled from the oven, its golden brown exterior glistening with juices and its meat so tender that it practically fell off the bone. I could hardly contain my excitement as my grandmother carved into the lamb, serving up generous portions for our family to enjoy.
The first bite was a revelation – the lamb was succulent and flavorful, with a depth of taste that I had never experienced before. The combination of herbs and spices had worked their magic, infusing the meat with a complexity of flavors that danced on my taste buds and left me craving for more.
From that moment on, oven-braised lamb became a cherished recipe in our family. My grandmother and I would often prepare it together, each of us adding our own special touches to make it truly our own. Over the years, I learned to perfect the recipe, adjusting the seasoning, cooking time, and temperature to suit my own tastes and preferences.
I have since shared this recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all marveled at the exquisite flavors and tender texture of the lamb. It has become a signature dish of mine, a testament to the culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations of my family.
As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I first discovered the joys of oven-braised lamb, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom that has been imparted to me by the women who came before me. Their recipes and cooking secrets have shaped me into the cook that I am today, and I will always be thankful for the gift of their culinary expertise.
So the next time you find yourself craving a dish that is both comforting and indulgent, I urge you to try your hand at oven-braised lamb. Let the aromas and flavors transport you to a world of culinary delights, where every bite is a celebration of tradition and heritage. And who knows, perhaps one day you too will pass on this recipe to the next generation, keeping the flame of good food and good company alive for years to come.
Categories
| Beef Recipes | Beef Stock And Broth Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Lamb Shank Or Knuckle Recipes | Lemon Peel Recipes | Onion Recipes | White Vinegar Recipes |