Lamb Shank Recipes

Braised Lamb Shanks & Eggplant Recipe EatingWell from www.eatingwell.com

Lamb shank is a cut of meat that comes from the lower part of the leg of lamb. It’s a tough cut of meat since it gets a lot of exercise and is made up of both muscle and connective tissue, so it requires slow and low cooking methods, like braising and stewing, to make it tender. The result is a juicy, succulent dish that is packed with flavour. Lamb shank recipes are a great way to enjoy a cut of meat that is often overlooked and underutilized.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need 4 lamb shanks, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 large onion, chopped, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, 2 cups of red wine, 2 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.

Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the olive oil in a large, ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the lamb shanks and cook until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 8 minutes. Once they’re browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside. Next, add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the thyme, rosemary, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, black pepper and salt and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then add the lamb shanks back to the pot. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Cook the lamb shanks for 2 hours, or until they’re tender and falling off the bone. Once they’re done, remove the pot from the oven and let the lamb shanks rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with the chopped parsley and serve.

Serving Suggestion

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or egg noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. For a more flavourful dish, try adding a few slices of bacon to the pot before you transfer it to the oven.

Nutrition

This dish is a great source of protein and provides a good amount of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. It’s also low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. Each serving contains approximately 430 calories, 18 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 13 grams of carbohydrates.

Tips and Tricks

If you’re looking to reduce the fat content of this dish, try using a leaner cut of lamb such as leg of lamb or loin. You can also reduce the amount of olive oil used in the recipe and replace it with a lower fat cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil. To get the most flavour out of the lamb shanks, make sure to brown them well before adding them to the pot. This will help to lock in the juices and ensure that the meat is tender and flavourful. Finally, make sure to use a good quality red wine for the recipe. The flavour of the wine will really shine through and add an extra depth of flavour to the dish.

Conclusion

Lamb shank recipes are a great way to enjoy a cut of meat that is often overlooked and underutilized. It’s a tough cut of meat, so it requires slow and low cooking methods, like braising and stewing, to make it tender. The result is a juicy, succulent dish that is packed with flavour. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed vegetables and enjoy!