Savory Lamb Shank with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Culinary magic happens when tender lamb shank meets velvety mashed potatoes, creating a symphony of comfort and flavor.

Succulent meat falls delicately from the bone, promising a rich dining experience.

Slow-cooked techniques unlock deep, robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this hearty dish, connecting traditional cooking methods with modern elegance.

Robust seasonings and careful preparation elevate each component into something extraordinary.

Fragrant herbs and gentle braising transform simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant classic that sparks conversation and delights every hungry guest.

Ingredients Needed For Lamb Shank With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Lamb Shanks: A tender and flavorful cut of meat that becomes incredibly soft when slow-braised.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrot, Celery: A classic mirepoix that adds depth and aromatic base to the braising liquid.

• Red Wine: Provides a rich and complex flavor to the lamb shanks.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall savory taste of the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contributes acidity and helps create a robust braising sauce.
• Rosemary: A fragrant herb that complements the lamb with its earthy and pine-like flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the flavors of the meat and vegetables.

• Potatoes: A starchy vegetable that creates a creamy and comforting base for the lamb.
• Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the mashed potatoes.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and velvety texture to the potato side dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the lamb shanks and sautéing the vegetables.

How To Make Lamb Shank With Creamy Mashed Potatoes At Home

Step 1: Brown Lamb Shanks

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Sear the meat on all sides until golden brown, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer the browned lamb shanks to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced carrots
• Chopped celery

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and release their fragrant oils, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build Braising Liquid

• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh rosemary sprigs

Blend the ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful cooking liquid.

Step 4: Slow Cook Lamb Shanks

Return lamb shanks to the pot, ensuring they are partially submerged in the braising liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F. Allow the lamb to braise for 2½ to 3 hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and starts to pull away from the bone.

Step 5: Whip Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Boil peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain completely. Mash the potatoes with butter and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper, creating a smooth and luxurious side dish.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Place a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes on each plate. Top with a succulent lamb shank. Spoon the rich braising liquid over the meat for an extra burst of flavor.

Smart Tips For Lamb Shank With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Choose fatty lamb shanks with good marbling for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Allow extra braising time if shanks are larger, ensuring meat becomes fork-tender and falls off the bone.
• Use dry red wine like cabernet or merlot for deeper, more complex braising liquid and enhanced meat flavor.
• Substitute heavy cream with milk or vegetable broth for lighter mashed potatoes and lower-calorie option.
• Rest lamb shanks for 10-15 minutes after cooking to help meat retain juices and improve overall texture.

Tasty Options For Lamb Shank With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Rosemary Garlic Lamb: Replace rosemary with fresh thyme and add extra roasted garlic cloves for a deeper, more intense flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Incorporate kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese into the braising liquid for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Spicy Moroccan Style: Add ras el hanout spice blend, cinnamon stick, and preserved lemons to create a North African inspired lamb shank with warm, complex spices.
• Red Wine Chocolate Lamb: Enrich the braising liquid with dark chocolate and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sophisticated, rich undertone that deepens the meat's complexity.

Good Pairings For Lamb Shank With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, tender lamb shanks. These full-bodied wines match the meat's intense flavor and cut through the dish's richness.
• Herbal Beverage Companion: Serve a rosemary-infused herbal tea or craft cocktail alongside the meal. The herbal notes will echo the rosemary in the braising liquid, creating a harmonious flavor connection.
• Bright Vegetable Side: Add roasted brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to balance the heavy meat and creamy potatoes. These vibrant vegetables provide a fresh contrast and nutritional boost to the hearty main course.
• Tangy Sauce Enhancer: Drizzle a small amount of mint sauce or chimichurri over the lamb shanks.

How To Keep Lamb Shank With Creamy Mashed Potatoes Fresh

• Cool lamb shanks completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the mashed potatoes separate to maintain their creamy texture.
• Wrap individual lamb shanks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Separate the mashed potatoes into a different freezer-safe container.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Place lamb shanks in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325F for 20-25 minutes. Stir mashed potatoes occasionally while reheating in a separate oven-safe dish.

Lamb Shank With Creamy Mashed Potatoes FAQ Guide

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of lamb shanks?

Yes, you can substitute lamb shanks with beef short ribs or pork shoulder. These cuts have similar connective tissues that become tender when braised.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this dish?

A large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven is ideal. If you don’t have one, you can use a deep skillet and transfer the ingredients to a covered baking dish for braising.

• How can I tell if the lamb shanks are fully cooked?

The meat should be extremely tender and easily fall off the bone when pierced with a fork. This typically occurs after 2.5 to 3 hours of slow braising in the oven.

Why Lamb Shank With Creamy Mashed Potatoes Stands Out

• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience with this luxurious lamb shank recipe that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Comfort Food Champion: Create a deeply satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth, combining tender braised meat with silky smooth mashed potatoes for ultimate culinary comfort.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single pot for browning, braising, and creating a rich, flavorful sauce that infuses the lamb with incredible depth.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for intimate family dinners or elegant gatherings, this dish scales easily and welcomes personalization with your favorite herbs and seasonings.

Lamb Shank with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Hearty lamb shank with creamy mashed potatoes brings comfort to your dinner table, offering a mouthwatering blend of tender meat and silky potato perfection. Mediterranean flavors dance together, promising a rich culinary experience you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 large lamb shanks

Aromatics:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 cups (470 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) red wine
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325F (165C), preparing a robust cooking environment for the lamb shanks.
2. Season lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot, oiled oven-safe pot until golden brown on all surfaces, creating a rich caramelized exterior.
3. Remove browned lamb shanks and set aside, keeping their delicious crust intact.
4. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes, developing a fragrant vegetable base that will enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Deglaze the pot with red wine and beef broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom, creating a deep, complex braising liquid.
6. Incorporate diced tomatoes and fresh rosemary into the liquid, building layers of aromatic complexity.
7. Nestle the lamb shanks back into the pot, ensuring they are partially submerged in the flavorful braising mixture.
8. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then cover and transfer the pot to the preheated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and infused with rich flavors.
9. During the braising time, prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water for approximately 20 minutes until completely tender.
10. Drain the potatoes and mash thoroughly with butter and heavy cream, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a smooth, luxurious side dish.
11. Once lamb shanks are fall-apart tender, remove from the oven and plate over the creamy mashed potatoes.
12. Generously spoon the aromatic braising liquid over the lamb shanks, ensuring maximum flavor distribution.

Notes

• Tenderize Meat Perfectly: Choose lamb shanks with good marbling to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness during the long braising process.
• Wine Selection Matters: Use a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to enhance the rich, meaty flavors of the dish.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Maintain a consistent low oven temperature to break down tough connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth lamb.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy-free butter and coconut cream for lactose-intolerant guests, keeping the dish’s luxurious texture intact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 670 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg