Lamb shanks are a culinary delight that can be intimidating to cook, but with the right techniques and patience, they can be transformed into a mouth-watering, fall-off-the-bone dish that will impress even the most discerning palates. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make slow cooked lamb shanks that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Understanding Lamb Shanks
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand what lamb shanks are and why they are perfect for slow cooking. Lamb shanks are the lower portion of the lamb’s leg, which is typically tougher and more flavorful than other cuts of lamb. This toughness makes them ideal for slow cooking, as the low heat and moisture help to break down the connective tissues, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
Choosing the Right Lamb Shanks
When selecting lamb shanks, look for ones that are plump and have a good layer of fat. This fat will help to keep the meat moist during the cooking process and add flavor to the dish. You can choose either bone-in or boneless lamb shanks, but bone-in shanks are generally more flavorful and tender.
Preparing the Lamb Shanks
Before cooking the lamb shanks, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare lamb shanks:
Trimming the Fat
Trim any excess fat from the lamb shanks, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat on the surface. This will help to prevent the meat from becoming too greasy during cooking.
Seasoning the Lamb Shanks
Season the lamb shanks with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. You can use a mixture of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano, or fresh herbs like parsley and mint.
Browning the Lamb Shanks
Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks until they are browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. This will help to create a flavorful crust on the meat.
Cooking the Lamb Shanks
Now that the lamb shanks are prepared, it’s time to cook them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook slow cooked lamb shanks:
Adding Aromatics
Add a couple of tablespoons of oil to the pot and sauté some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery until they are softened. This will help to add flavor to the dish.
Adding Liquid
Add enough liquid to the pot to cover the lamb shanks. You can use a combination of stock, wine, and water, or a single type of liquid. Bring the liquid to a boil, then cover the pot and transfer it to the oven.
Cooking the Lamb Shanks
Cook the lamb shanks in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours, or until they are tender and falling off the bone. You can also cook them on the stovetop on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until they are tender.
Serving the Lamb Shanks
Once the lamb shanks are cooked, it’s time to serve them. Here are a few ways to serve slow cooked lamb shanks:
With Mashed Potatoes
Serve the lamb shanks with mashed potatoes and a side of steamed vegetables. This is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to please.
With Roasted Vegetables
Serve the lamb shanks with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes. This is a healthy and flavorful way to serve the dish.
With Polenta
Serve the lamb shanks with polenta and a side of sautéed spinach. This is a creamy and comforting way to serve the dish.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best slow cooked lamb shanks:
Using a Slow Cooker
You can cook the lamb shanks in a slow cooker instead of the oven. Simply brown the lamb shanks and cook them in the slow cooker on low heat for 6-8 hours.
Adding Spices
You can add different spices to the dish to give it more flavor. Some options include cumin, coriander, and paprika.
Using Different Types of Liquid
You can use different types of liquid to cook the lamb shanks. Some options include stock, wine, and beer.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lamb shanks | 4-6 |
| Oil | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Onions | 2-3 |
| Carrots | 2-3 |
| Celery | 2-3 stalks |
| Stock | 2-3 cups |
| Wine | 1-2 cups |
| Water | 1-2 cups |
| Herbs and spices | to taste |
In conclusion, slow cooked lamb shanks are a delicious and comforting dish that can be made with a few simple ingredients and some patience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a mouth-watering dish that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
What is the ideal cut of lamb for slow-cooked lamb shanks?
The ideal cut of lamb for slow-cooked lamb shanks is the shank itself, which is the lower leg portion of the lamb. This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it is tougher and has a lot of connective tissue, which breaks down beautifully with long, slow cooking. You can usually find lamb shanks at most butcher shops or well-stocked supermarkets.
When selecting lamb shanks, look for ones that are meaty and have a good layer of fat on them. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during the long cooking process. You can also ask your butcher to trim any excess fat or silver skin from the shanks, if needed.
How do I prepare the lamb shanks before slow cooking?
Before slow cooking the lamb shanks, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Start by seasoning the shanks with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. You can also dust them with a little flour to help create a nice crust on the outside. Next, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shanks until they are browned on all sides.
After searing the shanks, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Leave the drippings in the skillet, as they will add flavor to the dish later. You can also use this opportunity to sauté some onions, garlic, or other aromatics to add to the slow cooker.
What is the best liquid to use for slow-cooked lamb shanks?
The best liquid to use for slow-cooked lamb shanks is a combination of stock and wine. You can use lamb or beef stock, or a combination of the two. Red wine is also a great addition, as it adds depth and richness to the dish. You can also add some tomato paste or diced tomatoes to the liquid for added flavor.
When choosing a liquid, make sure it’s not too acidic, as this can make the meat tough. A good ratio is to use 2/3 stock and 1/3 wine. You can also add some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to the liquid for added flavor.
How long does it take to slow cook lamb shanks?
The cooking time for slow-cooked lamb shanks can vary depending on the size of the shanks and the desired level of tenderness. Generally, it takes around 8-10 hours on low heat or 4-6 hours on high heat. You can also cook the shanks overnight and let them rest for a few hours before serving.
It’s essential to check the shanks periodically to ensure they are tender and falling off the bone. If they are not tender enough, you can cover the slow cooker and cook for another hour or two.
Can I make slow-cooked lamb shanks in advance?
Yes, you can make slow-cooked lamb shanks in advance. In fact, this dish is perfect for making ahead, as the flavors will meld together and the meat will become even more tender. You can cook the shanks a day or two in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until serving.
When reheating the shanks, make sure to heat them slowly and gently to prevent the meat from becoming tough. You can reheat them in the slow cooker or in the oven with some of the cooking liquid.
How do I serve slow-cooked lamb shanks?
Slow-cooked lamb shanks are best served with the rich and flavorful sauce spooned over the top. You can serve them with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can also serve them with some roasted vegetables or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
When serving, make sure to garnish the shanks with some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can also serve the shanks with some of the cooking liquid spooned over the top, which will add even more flavor to the dish.
Can I make slow-cooked lamb shanks in a Dutch oven or oven?
Yes, you can make slow-cooked lamb shanks in a Dutch oven or oven. In fact, this method can produce even more tender and flavorful results than a slow cooker. To make the shanks in a Dutch oven, brown them in a skillet and then transfer them to the Dutch oven with the cooking liquid.
Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and cook the shanks in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours, or until they are tender and falling off the bone. You can also make the shanks in a regular oven, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.