She Strengthens

Unlock the Secret to Tender, Flavorful Meats with Braising

When it comes to cooking tougher cuts of meat, braising is a game-changer. This timeless technique involves searing the meat to lock in juices, then slow-cooking it in liquid to break down the connective tissues and infuse rich flavors.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

For this recipe, we’ll be using a slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone results. If you don’t have a slow cooker, don’t worry – you can easily adapt this recipe for oven cooking.

A Recipe Fit for a Crowd

This lamb shank recipe is reminiscent of Osso Buco, and you can easily substitute beef or veal shanks for a delicious variation. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal, or elevate it with a bed of Spatzle or Pearled Barley with Herbs to impress your guests.

Wine Pairing Perfection

When it comes to wine pairing, the perfect choice is the one that you enjoy! However, a bold red wine like Shiraz or Merlot complements the rich flavors of this dish beautifully.

Recipe Details

Yield: 6 Portions
Difficulty: Medium
Total Time: 8 Hours
Active Time: 1 Hour

Ingredients

• 6 Lamb Shanks
• 3-4 Cups Beef Stock
• 3 Tbsp Tomato Paste
• 2-3 Cups Red Wine
• 2 Large Bay Leaves
• Pinch of dried Rosemary, Oregano, and Thyme
• 1 Medium Onion, diced
• 3 Celery Stalks, sliced
• 2 Medium Carrots, diced
• Vegetable Oil
• Flour
• Salt and Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop, dice, and mix all ingredients before starting the recipe.
2. Slow Cooker Magic: Add lamb shanks, beef stock, bay leaves, red wine, and dried herbs to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
3. Create the Sauce: In a sauce pot, cook diced onion, carrot, and celery in vegetable oil until the onion is translucent. Add the liquid from the slow cooker, tomato paste, and mix well. Bring to a simmer.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Mix flour and vegetable oil to create a roux, then add it to the sauce pot, whisking continuously. Adjust seasoning and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
5. Combine and Serve: Return the lamb shanks to the sauce and serve with your choice of side dish.

Enjoy your tender, flavorful lamb shanks!