Lamb Shanks may seem like a recipe that is too challenging to make it at home, but don’t be fooled braising lamb shanks is not hard. This particular recipe is adapted from an Italian Jamie Oliver recipe which was the first lamb shank recipe I ever made. It is simple to cook so I know you can make it too.
The key with cooking lamb shanks is having the time to let them stew. It takes a bit of prep, and a lot of time in the oven, but otherwise they are simple to make and extremely delicious. Serve this recipe on top of risotto or mashed potatoes.
Lamb Shanks with White Wine and Tomatoes
(serves 4)
Adapted from The Naked Chef1. Preheat oven to 350F. In a mortar and pestle crush the chiles and coriander, if you are using dried rosemary crush it too. Chop the rosemary if you are using fresh rosemary. On a plate spread the spice mixture. Add to it the flour and add a really healthy amount of salt and pepper. Stir it around and mix everything together. Dust the lamb shanks in the mixture and rub and pat it right in.
2. In a large dutch oven over medium heat heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Brown the shanks on each side and remove and set aside. If more oil is needed add the remaining 2 tablespoons and heat. Add the carrots, onions, celery, garlic and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring until soft about 8 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for 3 minutes. Add the white wine and simmer for 2 more minutes. Add the anchovies (or anchovy paste) and stir to combine. Then add the tomatoes and tomato juice. Add the lamb and bring up to a boil.
3. Transfer to the oven and simmer, covered for an hour and a half. Remove lid and cook for another half hour.
4. If you have too much liquid, remove the shanks and cover to keep warm, meanwhile boil down the sauce until a little thicker. Season to taste, you will likely want about 1/2t of salt.
Serve over risotto or mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley or basil.
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