Braised Lamb Shanks with Tangerine Gremolata

(6,248)

Braising the lamb shanks for hours in a mixture of wine and tomatoes gives them a tangy flavor. More Amazing Lamb Recipes

Braised Lamb Shanks with Tangerine Gremolata
Photo: © Amy Neunsinger
Yield:
8

Ingredients

  • Eight meaty 1-pound lamb shanks, trimmed

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 small carrots, coarsely chopped

  • 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

  • 1 bottle dry red wine

  • Two 28-ounce cans Italian peeled tomatoes with their juice

  • 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth

  • 2 large heads of garlic, cloves peeled, 2 minced

  • 4 bay leaves

  • 2 cinnamon sticks

  • 8 flat-leaf parsley sprigs plus 1 tablespoon minced parsley

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated tangerine or orange zest

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°. Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large enameled cast-iron casserole. Working in batches, brown the lamb shanks thoroughly over moderately high heat, turning often, about 3 minutes per side; transfer the shanks to a large bowl.

  2. Pour off any fat from the casserole. Add the carrots and onion and cook, over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and boil for 5 minutes, using a wooden spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the casserole.

  3. Return the lamb to the casserole. Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, 20 whole garlic cloves, the bay leaves and cinnamon sticks. Tie the parsley sprigs with string and add them to the casserole. Bring to a boil and skim, then cover and cook in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is very tender. Remove the casserole from the oven.

  4. Transfer the lamb shanks to a large bowl and cover with foil. Pick out and discard the cinnamon sticks, bay leaves and parsley. Let the cooking liquid stand for 5 minutes, then skim off the fat. Working in batches, puree the cooking liquid and vegetables in a blender. Strain the sauce back into the casserole through a coarse sieve. Boil the sauce until reduced by half, stirring frequently, about 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and return the lamb shanks to the sauce.

  5. Bring the shanks to a simmer. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with the minced parsley and tangerine zest. Set a lamb shank on each plate. Spoon the sauce over the meat, sprinkle with the gremolata and serve.

Make Ahead

The lamb shanks can be prepared through Step 3 and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Serve With

Roasted parsnips and carrots or other root vegetables.

Suggested Pairing

A Pinot Noir, with its spicy oak, raspberry overtones and solid tannins, is a good match for the earthy, full-flavored lamb.

Related Articles