Slow-cooked lamb shanks in herbed gravy served in a rustic dish

Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy

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Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy: A Hearty Recipe for Cozy Nights

Nothing says comfort food quite like a dish that warms your soul as much as your kitchen, and today, we’re diving into a cozy favorite: Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy. If you’re looking for an easy way to impress your loved ones while bringing delightful aromas to your home, this is the recipe for you! Perfect for those evenings when you need something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this dish is sure to become one of your go-to meals.

Why You’ll Love This Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks Recipe

Picture this: a tender lamb shank, slow-cooked to perfection, served in a rich, flavorful gravy that could make even the most skeptical eater ask for seconds (or thirds!). This recipe is perfect whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy night in with your family. Plus, the hands-off cooking method means you can kick back with a good book, binge-watch your favorite show, or just enjoy a glass of that wine you’ve been saving.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious masterpiece:

  • 4 lamb shanks
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 cup red wine (because why not?)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (because a little green makes everything better!)

Directions to Mouthwatering Bliss

  1. Sear the Shanks: Start by patting your lamb shanks dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the lamb shanks on all sides until they’re beautifully browned (about 4-5 minutes). Don’t rush this step; you’re building beautiful flavors here!

  2. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet (let’s not create more dishes than necessary!), add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and the onion is translucent. You’ve got your kitchen smelling amazing already!

  3. Bring on the Liquids: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up those tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Add in the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir things up until combined.

  4. Slow-Cook Time: Place the lamb shanks in a slow cooker (or a large pot if you’re using the stovetop). Pour the vegetable mixture over them, making sure they’re well coated. If you’re opting for a slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. For stove-top enthusiasts, cover your pot and let it simmer on low for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is wonderfully tender.

  5. Finishing Touches: Once everything is done, remove the shanks from the cooker and let them rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, if you want a thicker gravy, you can simmer the cooking liquid in your skillet for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

  6. Serve it Up: Ladle that rich herbed gravy over your shanks, garnish with fresh parsley, and prepare for some serious compliments.

Cooking Tips for Success

  • Wine Alternatives: If you prefer to skip the wine, you can replace it with more broth or even apple cider. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change ever so slightly, but it will still be delightful.
  • Tender Meat Lovers: For extra tender meat, soak your lamb in a mixture of milk and spices overnight. It sounds a bit odd, but trust me; it works wonders!
  • No Slow Cooker? No problem! A Dutch oven or heavy pot works just as well; just follow the stovetop instructions mentioned above.

A Personal Touch

I first discovered this recipe during one of our cozy family gatherings. My sister Patricia and I were in the kitchen, throwing together ingredients like we were creating a masterpiece. Once the lamb shanks hit the table and everyone took their first bite, you could hear a pin drop—each person savoring the moment. It has since become a staple in our household.

FAQs

Can I substitute lamb shanks with another type of meat?
Absolutely! While lamb shanks are the star here, you can substitute them with beef shanks or even chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How can I store leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently over low heat, and you’re good to go!

What sides go well with this dish?
Dishing up some creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a light salad is a great way to complement the rich flavors of the lamb.

Let’s face it—Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy is not just a meal; it’s an experience that might just make you the star chef in your circle. So grab that apron, turn on some tunes, and let’s create some culinary magic together!

You can also explore more delicious recipes like Creamy Garlic Chicken and Roasted Vegetable Medley for more easy weeknight wonders.

Happy cooking!

Meta Description

Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks in a Rich Herbed Gravy is the perfect recipe for cozy nights. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!

Rustic Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks

A comforting dish featuring tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy, perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces lamb shanks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 pieces carrots, sliced
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 cup red wine Can be replaced with more broth or apple cider.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 pieces bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish Adds a touch of color and flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by patting the lamb shanks dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the lamb shanks on all sides until beautifully browned (about 4-5 minutes).
  3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Cooking
  1. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom.
  2. Add the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir until combined.
  3. Place the lamb shanks in a slow cooker (or a large pot for stovetop cooking). Pour the vegetable mixture over the shanks, ensuring they are well coated.
  4. For slow cooker: Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. For stovetop: Cover the pot and let it simmer on low for about 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
Finishing Touches
  1. Remove the shanks from the cooker and let them rest for a few minutes.
  2. If a thicker gravy is desired, simmer the cooking liquid in the skillet until it reaches the desired consistency.
Serving
  1. Ladle the rich herbed gravy over the lamb shanks, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy the compliments!

Notes

For extra tender meat, soak lamb in a mixture of milk and spices overnight. A Dutch oven can be used instead of a slow cooker, following stovetop instructions.

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