Are you craving a truly comforting and flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe takes inspiration from Jamie Oliver's signature style, delivering melt-in-your-mouth lamb shanks with a rich, aromatic gravy. It's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and satisfying dish, a true champion among easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 4 lamb shanks (about 1 lb each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the Lamb: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a delicious crust and rich flavor. Remove the shanks from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for the gravy.
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Deglaze the Pot (Optional): If using red wine, add it to the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the wine has reduced slightly. This step adds depth and complexity to the flavors.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the lamb shanks to the pot. Add the beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Let the lamb shanks braise in the oven for at least 2-3 hours, or until they are incredibly tender and easily fall off the bone. The longer they cook, the more flavorful and tender they will become. This is a testament to the magic of slow cooking, making this recipe perfect for quick dinner ideas that deliver maximum flavor.
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Thicken the Gravy (Optional): Once the lamb is cooked, remove the shanks from the pot and set aside. If you desire a thicker gravy, you can whisk in a tablespoon of all-purpose flour into the cooking liquid. Stir constantly over medium heat until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
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Serve: Return the lamb shanks to the pot to coat them in the delicious gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This dish is fantastic served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful gravy.
Cooking Tips:
- For even more tender lamb shanks, consider using bone-in shanks.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when searing the lamb; work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- If you don't have an oven-safe pot, you can sear the lamb in a separate pot and then transfer it to a Dutch oven or other oven-safe dish for braising.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or parsnips to the pot during the braising process.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use different types of wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 40-50g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
This recipe is a delicious example of homemade cooking at its finest, showcasing the best recipes without needing complicated techniques. Enjoy this incredible meal!