Lamb Osso Buco with Tapenade

• Recipe by Suzanne Goin

Have your butcher cut the lamb shanks into thirds. Goin saves the plastic tubs that the olives come in and uses them for storage in the restaurant's kitchen.

Ingredients

LAMB

1. 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2. 6 garlic cloves, crushed
3. 6 thyme sprigs
4. 1 rosemary sprig, leaves only
5. 4 meaty lamb shanks (6 pounds total), cut crosswise into thirds
6. Salt and freshly ground pepper
7. 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
8. 1 small fennel bulb--trimmed, halved lengthwise, cored and coarsely chopped
9. 1 small carrot, finely chopped
10. 1 1/2 cups dry white wine
11. 3 flat-leaf parsley sprigs
12. Strips of zest from 1/2 lemon
13. 1 bay leaf
14. 3 cups lamb stock or beef stock, or 11/2 cups canned beef broth mixed with 1 1/2 cups water

TAPENADE

1. 1 anchovy fillet, mashed
2. 1 garlic clove, halved
3. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4. 1/2 cup Niçoise olives (about 4 ounces), pitted and chopped
5. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
6. 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
7. 1 teaspoon capers, rinsed

SHELL BEANS

1. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2. 2 tablespoons minced shallots
3. 1 teaspoon minced garlic
4. 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
5. 2 cups fresh shelled or frozen beans (about 10 ounces), such as black-eyed peas or cranberry beans
6. 2 cups water
7. 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. PREPARE THE LAMB: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the olive oil with the garlic, thyme and rosemary. Add the lamb and turn to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, turning occasionally, or refrigerate overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 325°. Scrape off the marinade and season the lamb with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 1/4 cup of oil in a large enameled cast-iron casserole until shimmering. Working in 2 batches, sear the lamb over moderate heat until well browned all over, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter.
3. Add the onion, fennel and carrot to the casserole and cook over low heat, stirring, until lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Add the wine, parsley sprigs, lemon zest and bay leaf and boil until reduced by half, about 6 minutes. Return the lamb to the casserole, add the stock and bring to a boil. Cover and braise in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is almost falling off the bones; turn the lamb twice during cooking.
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the lamb to a platter. Strain the cooking liquid, pressing the vegetables through the strainer. Skim off the fat and season with salt and pepper. Return the meat and the sauce to the casserole and keep warm.
5. MAKE THE TAPENADE: Meanwhile, in a mortar, crush the anchovy and garlic to a paste. Alternatively, mash the anchovy and garlic with the side of a large knife. Stir in the olive oil, olives, lemon juice, parsley and capers.
6. MAKE THE BEANS: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan. Add the shallots, garlic and thyme and cook over moderate heat until softened. Stir in the beans, add the water and salt and cook over low heat until tender, about 20 minutes.
7. Drain the beans and spoon them into bowls. Spoon the lamb stew over the beans, top with the tapenade and serve.

Make Ahead

The recipe can be prepared through Step 5 and refrigerated overnight.