Easy Lamb Shanks with Cranberries and Rosemary Recipe
Par Amelia Feuss.
This easy lamb shanks with cranberries and rosemary recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that will leave you craving more.
Préparation:
30 min
Cuisson:
Total:
Portions:
4 servings
Cuisine:
French
#lamb shanks
#main course
#dinner
#comfort food
Welcome to the world of flavors with my easy lamb shanks with cranberries and rosemary recipe! This dish is perfect for those cozy family dinners when you’re looking to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. The tender lamb shanks, slowly cooked in a rich, aromatic sauce, come infused with hints of rosemary and zesty orange, complemented beautifully by the tartness of cranberries. Not only is this an easy lamb shanks recipe, but it also guarantees a show-stopping lamb shank dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, this quick lamb dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingrédients
- 4 lamb shanks
- 55 g (1/4 cup) butter
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) all-purpose flour
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) whole grain mustard
- 250 ml (1 cup) red wine
- 250 ml (1 cup) veal stock
- 4 sprigs of rosemary
- 1 orange, quartered
- 80 g (3/4 cup) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) olive oil
- 340 g (2 cups) peeled and diced potatoes
- 300 g (2 cups) peeled and diced sunchokes
À propos des ingrédients
About These Ingredients To make these succulent lamb shanks, you will need a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients. The key players include four lamb shanks, which provide that rich flavor and meaty texture, and fresh ingredients like carrots, onions, and celery for a base that enhances the dish’s overall aroma. Don’t forget the rosemary and cranberries—these ingredients are not just aromatics; they add depth and a twist of sweetness that elevates the dish. Red wine and veal stock are essential for a flavorful sauce that envelops the lamb, creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience everyone loves. And for the side, this recipe includes potatoes and sunchokes, which can be transformed into a delightful puree that pairs perfectly with the lamb’s robust flavors.
Instructions
- Place the oven rack in the center position and preheat to 180 °C (350 °F).
- In a large pot over high heat, brown the lamb shanks in half of the butter (30 ml/2 tbsp). Season with salt and pepper and set aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, soften the vegetables using the remaining butter, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle in the flour and add the mustard, cooking for 1 minute while stirring. Deglaze the pot with wine and bring to a boil. Incorporate the veal stock and return the meat to the pot. Add the rosemary, orange pieces, and cranberries. Bring mixture to a boil.
- Cover and cook in the oven for 2 hours. Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional hour or until the meat easily pulls away from the bone, turning the shanks a few times.
- Meanwhile, trim the top of the garlic bulb. Place it in an oven-safe dish and pour in the olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes or until the garlic is fully confit.
- Put the potatoes and sunchokes into a pot and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil, cooking until the vegetables are tender. Drain and return to the pot.
- Using a masher, crush the potatoes and sunchokes into a rough puree. Squeeze the confit garlic over the puree, seasoning with salt and pepper, and mix well.
- Serve the potato and sunchoke puree alongside the lamb shanks and sauce.
Conseils de cuisson
Cooking Tips When making this easy lamb shanks recipe, ensure that you brown the lamb shanks well. This step is crucial for developing complex flavors and a beautiful color. After searing, don’t skip softening the vegetables—this builds the base for your sauce. Pay attention while deglazing with wine; it’s an important step that brings all those flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot into your dish. Once you add everything back in, cover and cook it low and slow in the oven for maximum tenderness. Be patient—if you’ve ever wondered how to make lamb shanks that easily pull away from the bone, this is the secret! Also, when making the potato and sunchoke puree, remember to mash them roughly for a textured side that contrasts nicely against the lamb.
Conseils de chef
- 💡 One of my favorite variations is to add more seasonal vegetables to the pot. Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips work beautifully, enhancing the overall heartiness of the dish.
- 💡 If you're short on time, consider using a pressure cooker. Sear the lamb shanks in the pot and then add your liquids and vegetables before cooking under pressure for a fraction of the time while retaining that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- 💡 Make sure to use fresh cranberries if you can find them. However, frozen cranberries are an excellent alternative and can be used directly; there's no need to thaw them first.
- 💡 For a gourmet touch, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a spoonful of honey to the sauce for a touch of sweetness that complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
- 💡 To elevate the potato and sunchoke puree, consider blending in some fresh herbs or a dollop of creamy goat cheese for added richness and flavor.
- 💡 This easy lamb shanks recipe also pairs wonderfully with other starches. Try serving it over polenta or creamy risotto for an Italian flair.
- 💡 Leftovers? Store the lamb shanks in their sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They taste even better the day after, with flavors continuing to meld together.
- 💡 If you’re feeling adventurous, consider using different herbs. Thyme or sage are excellent substitutes for rosemary, giving a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Questions fréquentes
How to make lamb shanks tender?
To make lamb shanks tender, slow-cook them at a low temperature, which allows the connective tissues to break down and the meat to become fork-tender.
What can I serve with lamb shanks?
Lamb shanks pair well with mashed potatoes, polenta, or a vibrant vegetable salad. You could also try a hearty grain like farro or couscous.
Can I use other meats instead of lamb shanks?
Yes, while lamb shanks give the best flavor for this dish, beef short ribs or pork shanks can serve as delicious alternatives with a similar cooking method.
How long does it take to cook lamb shanks in the oven?
Lamb shanks should generally be cooked in the oven for about 3 hours, but this can vary based on your specific oven. It's ideal when the meat is easily pulling away from the bone.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This lamb shank dinner is perfect for meal prep as the flavors deepen over time. Just reheat in the oven or stovetop until warmed through.
What wine should I use for cooking lamb shanks?
Look for a good-quality red wine that you enjoy drinking; a dry red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works well and enhances the dish's flavor profile.
