Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Recipe
When you plunge into this Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks recipe, you’ll quickly discover why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The rich, savory flavors meld beautifully as the lamb simmers in a luscious sauce, infusing each bite with an incredible depth.
I love how effortless it’s to prepare; just sear the shanks, toss in the veggies, and let the slow cooker work its magic. The aroma wafting through my home is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
Plus, it’s perfect for entertaining or cozy family dinners. The tender lamb practically falls off the bone, and the sauce is a delight over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
When you’re gearing up to make these delicious Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks, the first step is gathering your ingredients. Trust me, you don’t want to be mid-recipe and realize you’re missing something essential. This dish is all about building layers of flavor, and each ingredient plays a part in that.
So, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering meal.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 lamb shanks (1K French trimmed)
- 1/2 cup plain flour (75 grams)
- 2 medium brown onions (300g chopped)
- 2 medium carrots (240g chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (250ml)
- 2 cups beef stock (salt reduced, 500ml)
- 2 cans (400 g) chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 bouquet garni (a bundle of fresh herbs, usually thyme and parsley tied together)
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. If you’re wondering about the red wine, don’t stress too much about splurging on a fancy bottle. Just pick something you wouldn’t mind sipping on while you cook.
And if you’ve got fresh herbs for the bouquet garni, that’s fantastic! But if not, don’t sweat it—dried herbs can work in a pinch. Just adjust the measurements since dried herbs are more potent.
Finally, when it comes to the lamb, you want quality shanks that are well-trimmed. This helps guarantee they cook evenly and become meltingly tender.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
Alright, let’s plunge into making those Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks. You’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this process is.
First things first, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan. While that’s warming up, toss your 4 lamb shanks (that’s about 1 kg if you’re keeping track) in 1/2 cup of plain flour that you’ve seasoned with salt and pepper. This step is super important because it not only helps to create a nice crust on the lamb but also thickens the sauce later on. So, shake off any excess flour and get ready to brown those shanks. You want to cook them over high heat until they’re beautifully browned all over. This might take a few minutes, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Once they’re browned, transfer them to the bowl of your slow cooker.
Now, back to that same frying pan. Add the remaining oil and toss in 2 chopped medium brown onions, 2 chopped medium carrots, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them over medium heat for about 2 minutes, just until the onions start to soften and smell absolutely divine. It’s like a cozy hug for your kitchen.
Then, add in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and stir for another minute. This is where the magic begins to happen. Next comes the fun part—pour in 1 cup of red wine. Bring it to a boil, and then stir in 2 cups of beef stock (make sure it’s salt-reduced, that’s 500ml), along with 2 cans of chopped tomatoes (that’s about 800 grams total), 2 tablespoons of sugar, and your bouquet garni.
Bring it all back to a boil, and then pour this fragrant mixture over the lamb in the slow cooker, making sure the shanks are submerged in that glorious liquid.
Now, cover it up and set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours. Yes, you read that right—this is a low and slow kind of dish, perfect for a lazy weekend when you want the house to smell heavenly. The lamb should become so tender that it practically falls off the bone.
Once it’s cooked, remove the lamb and keep it warm. Crank the cooker to high and let that sauce simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens a bit. You can skim off any fat floating on top, which is a nice little bonus.
Serve those luscious lamb shanks with the thickened sauce, maybe alongside some instant polenta and steamed veggies if you’re feeling fancy. And there you have it—comfort food at its finest, ready to impress your family or just to treat yourself. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Substitutions & Variations
After enjoying those delicious Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks, you might find yourself wanting to get creative with the recipe.
You can easily substitute the lamb shanks with beef shanks or even chicken thighs for a lighter option.
If you want to switch up the flavors, try using white wine instead of red, or experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano in place of the bouquet garni.
For a twist on the sauce, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a hint of cinnamon.
If you’re short on time, you can skip browning the meat first, though I recommend it for added depth.
Whatever you choose, have fun making this dish your own!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks pair beautifully with a variety of sides that enhance their rich flavors.
I love serving them with creamy polenta, which soaks up the delicious sauce, creating a comforting combination.
Steamed green vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, add a vibrant color and a fresh crunch to the plate.
If I’m in the mood for something heartier, I might opt for mashed potatoes or a fluffy risotto, both of which complement the tender lamb perfectly.
A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also brighten the meal, balancing the richness of the shanks.
Whatever I choose, these sides elevate the dish and turn dinner into a delightful experience.
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing Slow Cooker Red Wine Braised Lamb Shanks, I’ve found a few tips that can really enhance your cooking experience.
First, don’t skip the browning step; it adds amazing depth to the flavor. I also recommend using a good quality red wine—your dish will taste better for it!
If you can, let the shanks marinate overnight in the sauce before cooking; it makes a world of difference.
Make sure to taste the sauce as it simmers, adjusting seasoning if needed.
Finally, remember that slow cookers can vary, so keep an eye on cooking times.
Enjoy this dish with creamy polenta or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce! Happy cooking!