Braised Lamb Shanks in Red Wine and Rosemary

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This wonderful Braised Lamb Shank recipe and photos were shared with my by Karen Calanchini, Food Stylist and Photographer, of Redding, CA.

Karen says, "If you love lamb, this recipe and method will become a favorite. It can be made one day ahead, which will allow you to remove any congealed fat prior to serving. The combination of red wine and fresh rosemary is delightful! I like to serve these lamb shanks with Orange Rice Pilaf."

More delicious Lamb Recipes using various cuts of lamb.

Braised Lamb Shanks in Red Wine and Rosemary Recipe

Recipe Type: Lamb, Wine, Chile Pepper, Rosemary
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 hr (approx)

Ingredients:

4 meaty lamb shanks (about 4 1/2 pounds total), trimmed of fat
Coarse salt or sea salt and freshly-ground pepper
3 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 large leek, washed and sliced
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 small sprigs fresh rosemary
2 dried Ancho chile peppers*
2 bay leaves
4 to 6 garlic cloves, diced
3 cups big-bodied red wine
Orange Rosemary Gremolata (see recipe below)

ancho chile pepper * Ancho Chile Pepper - A dried deep reddish brown chile pepper about 3 inches wide and 4 inches long with a sweet hot flavor. When fresh they are referred to as Poblanos. They look like small bell peppers. Anchos are flat, wrinkled, and heart shaped. They range in color from very dark red to almost black. Anchos are mild to moderately hot and often soaked and ground for use in sauces. It is the sweetest of the dried chiles with tones of coffee, licorice, tobacco, dried plum, and raisin.

Preparation:

Lamb Shanks seasoned Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Salt and pepper both sides of the lamb shanks; set aside.

In a large Dutch oven, oven-proof baking, or roasting pan large enough to hold the lamb shanks in a single layer, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks, two (2) at a time, until the shanks are deeply browned; remove from heat to a plate. Repeat with the remaining two (2) lamb shanks.

Stir in the onion, leek, carrots, rosemary, Ancho chile peppers, bay leaves, and garlic. Stir now and then until the onions are soft and the mixture is very fragrant. Add the wine and deglaze the pan (Using a spoon or spatula, stirring constantly, deglaze the pan by stirring in all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan). Bring just to a boil, reduce heat to low and let simmer until the stock is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.

Return the lamb shanks to the pan in a single layer. Cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the bottom rack of the oven. Cook the lamb for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until meat is meltingly tender. To test, insert a knife or skewer into a thick section (there should be no resistance, juices should run clear, and the meat almost falling off the bones). If not cooked to your liking, add some additional wine and a little water; let cook for another 30 minutes (you want to be sure to have a nice sauce to drizzle over the shanks when serving). When done, remove from oven, discard the bay leaves, taste and adjust seasonings (if desired).

While the lamb shanks are cooking, make the Orange Rosemary Gremolata.

To serve, place a cooked lamb shank on a serving plate, top with some vegetable sauce, and sprinkle with the Orange Rosemary Gremolata.

Makes 4 servings.

Orange Rosemary Gremolata:
4 teaspoons freshly-minced rosemary leaves
4 teaspoons finely-grated fresh orange zest (rind)
2 large cloves garlic, minced

Using a sharp knife, chop together the rosemary leaves, orange zest, and garlic. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve with the lamb shanks.