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Slow cooker lamb shanks

Slow cooker lamb shanks
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Slow cooker lamb shanks offer a comforting, rich, and tender meal that melts in your mouth with minimal effort. The slow cooking process infuses the meat with aromatic herbs, spices, and vegetables, producing juicy, flavorful lamb perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 4 bone-in lamb shanks

Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

Liquids & Sauces

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup red wine or broth (beef or lamb broth preferred)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Lamb Shanks: Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a hot skillet and brown the lamb shanks on all sides until a deep golden crust forms. This locks in juices and develops rich flavor.
  2. Prepare Aromatics and Vegetables: While browning the meat, chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. These will create a flavorful base for the dish.
  3. Deglaze with Red Wine or Broth: Remove the lamb shanks from the skillet. Pour the red wine or broth into the hot skillet, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. This liquid adds tremendous flavor and is then poured into the slow cooker.
  4. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the browned lamb shanks, chopped aromatics, vegetables, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, fresh rosemary, thyme, and the deglazing liquid to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone, allowing flavors to fully develop.
  6. Finish and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Spoon the flavorful broth over the lamb and your chosen side dishes. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or extra rosemary before serving.

Notes

  • Brown for flavor: Browning lamb shanks is essential for deeper taste and locking in juices.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme enhance the aroma and flavor significantly.
  • Low and slow: Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours for best tenderness; resist rushing the process.
  • Don’t overfill the pot: Leave space in the slow cooker for even cooking and liquid circulation.
  • Rest before serving: Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes after cooking to retain juices and enhance tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker lamb shanks, easy lamb recipe, comfort food, slow cooked lamb, fall-off-the-bone lamb

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/slow-cooker-lamb-shanks/