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Tender Roasted Lamb Shanks Recipe

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A cozy Irish dinner featuring slow-roasted lamb shanks that are tender, flavorful, and melt off the bone, perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium-sized lamb shanks (about 1.5 to 2 pounds / 700–900 grams total)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium beef or lamb broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) dry red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Season the lamb shanks generously with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, sauté chopped onion, carrots, celery, and smashed garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in red wine, scraping the pot’s bottom, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
  6. Return the lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them into the liquid and vegetables. The liquid should come halfway up the shanks; add more broth if needed. Cover tightly with the lid.
  7. Slow roast in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning the shanks halfway through, until the meat is falling off the bone.
  8. Remove the shanks carefully. Optionally simmer the sauce on the stovetop to thicken. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles with the sauce.

Notes

If the sauce is too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in while simmering to thicken. Keep an eye on liquid levels during roasting and add broth if needed. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute red wine with extra broth or red grape juice. Use fresh, organic herbs for best flavor. Searing the lamb adds flavor and texture. Slow roasting at low temperature ensures tender meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: lamb shanks, roasted lamb, Irish dinner, slow roasted, cozy meal, tender lamb, red wine sauce, comfort food

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/tender-roasted-lamb-shanks-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-a-cozy-irish-dinner/