Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks

 

Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 lamb shanks

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

2 cups beef or lamb broth

1 cup red wine (or extra broth)

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried rosemary

1 tsp dried thyme

½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for depth)

Salt & pepper, to taste

2 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Sear the Lamb – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Veggies – In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.

3. Deglaze the Pot – Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 3 minutes.

4. Slow Cook – Add diced tomatoes, broth, paprika, rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Return the lamb shanks to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours (or transfer to a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours).

5. Check for Doneness – The lamb should be fork-tender. If the sauce is too thin, remove the shanks and let the sauce reduce on the stovetop.

6. Serve – Spoon the rich sauce over the lamb shanks. Serve with mashed cauliflower, roasted vegetables, or a rustic bread.

Would you like a sugar-free glaze or a different seasoning twist?