Savory Red Wine Braised Lamb Shanks

🕒 Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Description:
This braised lamb shanks recipe is a hearty dish perfect for cooler weather. The meat becomes incredibly tender, practically falling off the bones, and pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 1108.5
• Fat Content: 57.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 21.7g
• Cholesterol: 363.1mg
• Sodium: 936.7mg
• Carbohydrate: 18.4g
  • Fiber: 1.3g
  • Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 110.9g

Ingredients

• 6 lamb shanks
• 1 onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 3 cups red wine
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tbsp fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup beef stock
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • In a large ziplock bag, combine flour and fresh ground black pepper.

2. Dredging the Lamb Shanks:

   • Coat each lamb shank with the flour and pepper mixture, shaking off any excess.

3. Searing the Lamb Shanks:

   • Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
   • Add the lamb shanks and sear until golden brown on all sides. Use tongs to turn them for even browning.
   • Once browned, transfer the lamb shanks to a Dutch oven or large oven-proof pot with a lid.

4. Preparing the Aromatics:

   • Add minced garlic and bay leaves to the pot with the lamb shanks.

5. Cooking the Onions:

   • In the same frying pan used for the lamb, add sliced onions. Cook until they become soft and translucent.

6. Deglazing with Red Wine:

   • Pour red wine into the frying pan with the onions. Stir occasionally until the wine reduces and becomes slightly syrupy, about 5 minutes.

7. Combining Ingredients:

   • Pour the onion and red wine mixture over the lamb shanks in the pot.

8. Seasoning and Braising:

   • Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the lamb shanks.
   • Pour beef stock into the pot.
   • Cover the pot with a lid and place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
   • Braise for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

9. Final Seasoning:

   • Once cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Optional: Thickening the Sauce:

    • If desired, remove the lamb shanks from the pot and place them on a serving plate. Keep warm.
    • Simmer the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes.

11. Serving:

    • Return the lamb shanks to the pot with the thickened sauce to rewarm them before serving.

12. Enjoy:

    • Serve the braised lamb shanks hot, accompanied by mashed potatoes or your favorite side dishes.

This braised lamb shanks recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and tender meat, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Adjust seasoning to your taste and enjoy the delightful experience of cooking and savoring this comforting meal.