Jinx-Proof Braised Lamb Shanks

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 150 min
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings

Description

In this recipe, jinx-proof braised lamb shanks are cooked low and slow in an aromatic, deep-flavored broth to become fall-off-the-bone tender and delish.

Ingredients

5 1/2 pounds lamb shanks
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, diced
1 rib celery, diced
1 large carrot, diced
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup red wine
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup water
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves

Directions

1 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
2 Place lamb shanks in a roasting pan. Drizzle with oil; season generously with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary and thyme.
3 Roast in the preheated oven until lamb shanks are brown, about 30 minutes.
4 Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
5 Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot; cook until onion is browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in flour until combined. Add garlic; cook, 1 minute. Stir in wine, scraping up the brown bits of food off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in broth, water, vinegar, and cinnamon; pour over lamb shanks.
6 Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil, sealing it loosely so sauce can reduce slightly as it cooks.
7 Bake lamb shanks in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Flip lamb shanks; place foil back on pan. Continue baking until lamb shanks are fork-tender, about 1 hour more. Transfer lamb shanks to a large bowl, cover with foil, and rest for 10 minutes.
8 Meanwhile, transfer braising liquid to a saucepan over high heat; boil for 10 minutes, skimming fat as it reduces and slightly thickens. Stir in 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary; taste and adjust seasonings. Serve lamb shanks with sauce.