Perfect for a cozy night in, slow-roasted lamb shanks are well worth the wait! This hearty cut of meat practically falls off the bone after being cooked slowly at a low temperature, simmering for hours in a flavorful sauce. For the ultimate winter comfort food, serve cooked lamb shanks alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a creamy polenta.
Lamb shank is a beloved cut of meat in many cuisines around the world. Its rich, tender texture and robust flavor make it a favorite for hearty meals and festive occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, understanding the nuances of preparing and cooking lamb shanks can elevate your dishes to new heights. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore popular lamb shank recipes from various cuisines, discuss cooking times, and provide tips on the best ways to prepare lamb shanks before cooking.
Lamb shank recipes are diverse and varied, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of different cultures. Here are some popular lamb shank recipes from around the globe:
1. Moroccan Recipe
Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. Moroccan lamb shanks are often braised with a mix of spices, including cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and saffron, along with dried fruits like apricots and dates. The result is a tender, flavorful dish that is both sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
4 lamb shanks
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup pitted dates
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Greek lamb kleftiko is a traditional dish with a long history, Greek warriors would cook meat in sealed clay pots to avoid detection. The modern version involves slow-cooked lamb shank with lemon, garlic, and oregano, often wrapped in parchment paper to seal in the flavors.
Greek Lamb Shank Recipe:
Ingredients:
4 lamb shanks
4 cloves garlic, sliced
Juice of 2 lemons
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large pieces of parchment paper
Instructions:
Rogan Josh is a classic Indian dish from the Kashmir region, characterized by its deep red colour and aromatic spices. This dish features lamb shanks cooked in a rich gravy made with yogurt, tomatoes, and a blend of spices such as ginger, garlic, and garam masala.
Indian Lamb Shank Recipe:
Ingredients:
4 lamb shanks
2 onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 cups plain yogurt
1 cup tomato puree
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Navarin d’Agneau is a classic French stew made with lamb shanks and seasonal vegetables, typically served in the spring. The lamb is braised in a rich broth with carrots, potatoes, and turnips, resulting in a hearty and comforting dish.
French Braised Lamb Shank Recipe:
Ingredients:
4 lamb shanks
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, chopped
4 potatoes, chopped
2 turnips, chopped
2 cups beef broth
1 cup white wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, and parsley)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cooking lamb shanks is a labor of love that requires patience and time to achieve the desired tenderness and flavor. The cooking time can vary depending on the recipe and cooking method, but generally, lamb shanks need to be cooked slowly over low heat to break down the tough connective tissues and render the meat tender and juicy.
Stovetop or Oven: When braising lamb shanks on the stovetop or in the oven, it typically takes between 1.5 to 3 hours. The key is to maintain a low simmer and ensure the liquid covers the meat adequately.
Slow Cooker: Using a slow cooker is an excellent way to cook lamb shanks with minimal effort. It usually takes 6 to 8 hours on the low setting or 4 to 5 hours on the high setting.
Pressure Cooker: If you’re short on time, a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time for lamb shanks. It generally takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour under high pressure to achieve tender results.
Proper preparation is essential for achieving the best results when cooking lamb shanks. Here are some tips to help you prepare lamb shanks before cooking:
1. Trimming Excess Fat:
Lamb shanks often have a layer of fat on the outside. While some fat is necessary for flavor, excessive fat can make the dish greasy. Use a sharp knife to trim away any excess fat, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
2. Seasoning:
Seasoning the lamb meat before cooking is crucial for infusing flavor into the meat. A simple rub of salt and pepper is often sufficient, but you can also use a blend of spices or herbs depending on the recipe. Allow the seasoned lamb shanks to sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Browning the Meat:
Browning the lamb shanks before braising or slow cooking is an important step to develop depth of flavor. Heat a small amount of oil in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat and sear the lamb shanks on all sides until they are golden brown. This process caramelizes the surface of the meat, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
4. Preparing the Braising Liquid:
For braised lamb shanks, the braising liquid is key to the final flavor of the dish. The liquid can be made from a variety of ingredients, including broth, wine, tomatoes, and aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs. Make sure to deglaze the pot after browning the lamb shanks by adding a bit of liquid and scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance the richness of your braising liquid. Once deglazed, add the remaining liquid and aromatics, ensuring that the shanks are partially submerged. This slow and gentle cooking method allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender.
Lamb shank is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that brings a rich, hearty element to any meal. Whether you’re exploring the bold spices of Moroccan cuisine, the rustic charm of Greek traditions, the aromatic depth of Indian dishes, or the classic comfort of French cooking, lamb shank offers a unique and satisfying culinary experience. Its ability to absorb and meld with a range of flavors makes it a perfect choice for those looking to impress with a sophisticated and memorable dish. With proper preparation and patience, lamb shanks can be transformed into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth centerpiece that showcases the art of slow cooking. Embracing lamb shank in your culinary repertoire not only diversifies your meals but also connects you with rich culinary traditions from around the world.
DISCLAIMER: The attributes of the New Zealand Spring Lamb brand may differ on each product. We advise consumers to review the product labels to find the specific attributes.
DISCLAIMER: The attributes of the New Zealand Spring Lamb brand may differ on each product. We advise consumers to review the product labels to find the specific attributes.
