Savory Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks: Comfort Food Delight

Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks are the epitome of comfort food, inviting you into a world where tender meat falls off the bone and rich aromas fill your kitchen. Imagine sinking your fork into succulent shanks that have been lovingly bathed in a savory sauce, sending your taste buds dancing with joy.

As you take that first bite, the complex flavors unfold like a well-written novel, each chapter more delicious than the last. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday gathering, this dish is sure to steal the show and leave everyone clamoring for seconds.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Lamb Shanks: Aim for 2-4 shanks weighing about 1 pound each; look for ones with good marbling for added flavor.
• Onions: Use two medium onions, diced; they add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic will infuse your dish with aromatic goodness.
• Carrots: Two large carrots, chopped; they provide sweetness and color.

For the Sauce:

• Red Wine: A cup of dry red wine enhances flavors; choose one you enjoy drinking.
• Beef Broth: Use two cups to ensure moisture and richness in the final dish.
• Tomato Paste: A couple of tablespoons will add complexity and umami flavor.
• Fresh Herbs (Rosemary & Thyme): A handful of each adds fragrant notes that elevate your lamb shanks.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sear the Lamb

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your lamb shanks with salt and pepper before adding them to the hot skillet. Sear until browned on all sides—about five minutes per side—then transfer them to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add onions and carrots. Sauté until softened—this should take about five minutes. Don’t forget to scrape up those tasty brown bits left from searing!

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute before adding red wine. Bring it to a simmer while scraping any remaining bits from the bottom of the pan. This step is crucial; those bits are flavor gold!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the vegetable mixture over the lamb shanks in your slow cooker. Add beef broth, tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, and a little more salt and pepper.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and set your slow cooker on low for six to eight hours or high for four hours. You want that lamb so tender it practically waves goodbye as you try to lift it out!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once cooked, use tongs to carefully plate up those gorgeous shanks. Drizzle some sauce over each serving for extra flavor! Serve alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that deliciousness.

Now you’re ready to dive in! Enjoy those juicy bites while basking in compliments from friends or family—they’ll think you’ve been slaving away all day when really you’ve just been hanging out with your favorite kitchen appliance!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the lamb shanks in a hot pan until browned. While they sizzle, prepare your vegetables and herbs, then deglaze the pan with wine. Finally, add everything to your slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your slow-cooked lamb shanks! Swap out herbs like rosemary for thyme or add some chopped dried apricots or olives for an extra flavor kick. Experiment with different broths too!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover slow-cooked lamb shanks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Slow-cooked lamb shanks became my go-to when my friends surprised me with a visit. Their rave reviews made me feel like a culinary superstar that day!

FAQs:

What are the benefits of cooking Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks?

Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks offer several benefits, including enhanced flavor and tenderness. The slow-cooking process allows the meat to absorb rich spices and seasonings, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Additionally, cooking lamb shanks slowly allows for better nutrient retention, making it a healthier option compared to faster methods. This cooking technique also frees up your time, as you can set it and forget it while your meal develops complex flavors throughout the day.

How long does it take to cook Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks?

Cooking Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks typically takes around 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 4 to 5 hours on high heat in a slow cooker. The timing may vary based on the size of the shanks and your specific appliance. It’s crucial to ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for optimum tenderness and safety. Always check periodically for doneness to ensure the best results.

Can I prepare Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in advance?

Yes, you can easily prepare Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in advance. Simply follow your recipe up to the point of cooking and refrigerate them overnight before placing them in the slow cooker the next day. This method not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld even more intensely. Additionally, you can freeze leftovers for future meals, making this dish both convenient and delicious.

What side dishes pair well with Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks?

Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks pair beautifully with various side dishes. Consider serving them with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. A fresh green salad or sautéed greens can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the lamb. You might also enjoy pairing them with crusty bread or couscous, which can soak up the delightful sauce from the dish, enhancing every bite.

Conclusion for Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks:

In summary, Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks provide an effortless way to create a flavorful and tender meal that impresses family and friends alike. With a cooking time that allows for deep flavor infusion, they make an ideal choice for busy weekdays or special occasions. By following simple preparation steps and pairing with complementary sides, you can elevate this dish into a memorable dining experience that showcases your culinary skills while satisfying palates. Enjoy this hearty meal any time you crave comfort food!

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Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks

• Author: Lilly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
• Total Time: 6 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with tender slow-cooked lamb shanks, simmered in a rich, savory sauce that will impress family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–4 lamb shanks (about 1 pound each)
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Fresh rosemary (handful)
• Fresh thyme (handful)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. **Sear the Lamb**: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Sear until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. 2. **Sauté the Vegetables**: In the same skillet, add onions and carrots. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Scrape up any browned bits from searing.
3. 3. **Create the Sauce**: Add garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute. Stir in beef broth and tomato paste, mixing well.
4. 4. **Combine Everything**: Pour the vegetable mixture over the lamb shanks in the slow cooker. Add fresh rosemary and thyme along with additional salt and pepper.
5. 5. **Slow Cook**: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 hours until lamb is tender.
6. 6. **Serve It Up**: Carefully plate the lamb shanks and drizzle sauce over them. Serve alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 lamb shank (200g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Use bone-in shanks for richer flavor. Feel free to add variations like chopped dried apricots or olives for extra flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.