Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

Slow Cooker Lamb Shank

Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Recipe for 4 People

Ingredients:

- 4 lamb shanks

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 large onion, diced

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 carrots, diced

- 2 celery stalks, diced

- 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)

- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

- 2 sprigs fresh thyme

- 2 bay leaves

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until they develop a deep golden brown crust. Remove the shanks from the pan and set them aside.

3. In the same pan, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the flavors meld together.

4. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly.

5. Transfer the sautéed vegetables and wine into the slow cooker.

6. Stir in the beef or vegetable broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, and bay leaves.

7. Nestle the seared lamb shanks into the slow cooker, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid.

8. Cover the slow cooker and cook the lamb shanks on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.

9. Once the lamb shanks are done cooking, remove them from the slow cooker and set them aside.

10. If desired, strain the liquid in the slow cooker to remove any solids and skim off excess fat. Simmer the liquid in a saucepan until it thickens to your desired consistency to create a luscious gravy.

11. Serve the Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks with the gravy, and enjoy the heartwarming flavors that pay tribute to the countryside's culinary traditions.

Suggested Side Dishes:

- Creamy mashed potatoes

- Roasted root vegetables

- Buttered green beans

- Crusty bread for dipping into the gravy

Equipment Needed:

- Slow cooker

- Large skillet or pan for searing the lamb shanks

- Saucepan (optional for reducing the cooking liquid into gravy)

Commonly Made Mistakes and Points of Care:

1. Searing the Lamb Shanks: Take the time to properly sear the lamb shanks to develop a beautiful caramelized crust. This step enhances the flavor of the final dish.

2. Slow Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of slow cooker used. Check the lamb shanks periodically to ensure they are tender and fully cooked.

3. Deglazing the Pan: Deglaze the pan with red wine to capture all the flavorful browned bits left from searing the lamb shanks. This adds depth to the dish.

4. Choosing Lamb Shanks: Opt for high-quality lamb shanks with ample marbling, as this will result in tender and flavorful meat.

5. Herbs and Spices: Adjust the amount of herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Remember, these elements play a significant role in the overall flavor profile of the dish.

6. Removing Excess Fat: Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid before serving the gravy for a rich, but not overly greasy, finish.