Craving a delicious and comforting dish? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Lamb Shanks Braised in Red Wine and Herbs. With tender, fall-off-the-bone meat infused with rich flavors, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds. Follow the step-by-step instructions to create a culinary masterpiece, from marinating the lamb shanks to braising them to perfection in a delectable red wine and herb sauce. Get ready to indulge in a delightful meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
Ingredients
Lamb Shanks
For this delicious lamb shanks recipe, you will need some tender and flavorful lamb shanks. The number of shanks you choose to use will depend on the number of servings you want to make.
Red Wine
Red wine is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds depth and richness to the dish. You can choose any full-bodied red wine that you enjoy, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Herbs
To infuse the lamb shanks with aromatic flavors, you will need some herbs. A classic combination of rosemary and thyme works wonders in this recipe. Make sure to use fresh herbs for the best results.
Vegetables
Vegetables are essential for adding a delightful texture and flavor to the dish. You will need onions, carrots, and celery to create a flavorful base for the lamb shanks.
Seasonings
To enhance the taste of the dish, you will need some seasonings. A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper will add just the right amount of seasoning to the lamb shanks.
Oil
Finally, you will need some oil to sear the lamb shanks and sauté the vegetables. You can use olive oil or any other cooking oil of your choice.
Preparation
Marinating the Lamb Shanks
To maximize the flavor of the lamb shanks, it is highly recommended to marinate them before cooking. In a bowl, combine the lamb shanks, red wine, chopped herbs, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to completely coat the shanks with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Searing the Lamb Shanks
Searing the lamb shanks before braising them will help lock in the juices and add a beautiful golden crust to the meat. Heat some oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Remove the lamb shanks from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, and carefully place them in the pot. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Once seared, remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside.
Prepping the Vegetables
While the lamb shanks are searing, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Peel and chop the onions, carrots, and celery into medium-sized pieces. Now, using the same pot you seared the lamb shanks in, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the chopped vegetables for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and turn golden. This will provide a flavorful base for braising the lamb shanks.
Braising the Shanks in Red Wine
Now it’s time to bring all the ingredients together and braise the lamb shanks in a rich and flavorful red wine sauce. Place the seared lamb shanks back into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the marinade over the lamb shanks and vegetables, ensuring that the shanks are mostly submerged. If needed, add some additional red wine or beef broth to ensure there is enough liquid to cover the shanks. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process will result in tender, succulent lamb shanks that are bursting with flavor.
Cooking Process
Step 1: Marinating the Lamb Shanks
Start by combining the lamb shanks, red wine, chopped herbs, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well to coat the shanks with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Searing the Lamb Shanks
Heat some oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Remove the lamb shanks from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, and sear them in the pot for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Set the seared lamb shanks aside.
Step 3: Prepping the Vegetables
While the lamb shanks are searing, peel and chop the onions, carrots, and celery into medium-sized pieces. Using the same pot, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the chopped vegetables for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and turn golden.
Step 4: Braising the Shanks in Red Wine
Return the seared lamb shanks to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the marinade over the lamb shanks and vegetables, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Add additional red wine or beef broth if necessary. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours until the lamb shanks are tender and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish
To add a pop of freshness and visual appeal to your dish, garnish the lamb shanks with some freshly chopped herbs. Sprinkle some minced parsley or rosemary over the lamb shanks before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Accompaniments
Lamb shanks braised in red wine and herbs pair well with a variety of delicious sides. Serve them atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside some buttery couscous. Steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad make excellent accompaniments to balance out the rich flavors of the lamb shanks.
Now that you have this comprehensive recipe for lamb shanks braised in red wine and herbs, you can impress your friends and family with a delicious and comforting meal. Enjoy the tender and flavorful lamb shanks, rich with the depth of red wine and aromatic herbs. Bon appétit!