Cozy Succulent Braised Lamb Shank Recipe: Comfort on a Plate

My weekend cooking experiments always lead to surprising discoveries, like this incredible braised lamb shank that melts with rich, deep flavors.

Mediterranean traditions inspire such hearty dishes that comfort the soul.

Tender meat falls effortlessly from the bone after slow cooking in robust red wine and aromatic herbs.

Rustic vegetables roasted alongside complement the lamb’s intense profile perfectly.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that transport you directly to a cozy countryside kitchen.

Pairing this classic dish with creamy mashed potatoes creates a meal that feels both elegant and profoundly satisfying.

Come experience a culinary journey that celebrates simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Flavor Variations for Braised Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Vegetables

• Mediterranean Herb Lamb: Replace rosemary with a blend of thyme, oregano, and mint for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Moroccan Spiced Lamb: Add ras el hanout, cinnamon, and cumin to the seasoning mix for a North African-inspired dish.
• Red Wine Replacement: Swap red wine with pomegranate juice or balsamic vinegar for a tangy, rich alternative sauce.
• Smoky Paprika Version: Incorporate smoked paprika and chipotle peppers to create a deeper, more intense flavor experience.

Suggested Pairings for Braised Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Vegetables

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, tender lamb shanks and match the deep, robust flavors of the braising liquid.
• Herbal Herb Accent: Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to enhance the aromatic profile and add a bright, fragrant touch that echoes the herbs used in cooking.
• Creamy Potato Companion: Serve a crisp, cold Belgian-style wheat beer or a light Pilsner to cut through the creamy mashed potatoes and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty meat.
• Vegetable Side Balance: Add a tangy goat cheese crumble over the roasted vegetables to introduce a sharp, creamy element that brightens the caramelized vegetable flavors and adds complexity to the dish.

Storage Recommendations for Braised Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Vegetables

• Store leftover lamb shanks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the meat is completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap individual lamb shanks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Place lamb shanks in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

FAQs on Braised Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Vegetables

• What cut of lamb works best for braising?

Lamb shanks are ideal because they have tough connective tissues that break down during slow cooking, creating incredibly tender and flavorful meat perfect for braising.

• Why do I need to brown the lamb shanks before braising?

Browning creates a delicious caramelized exterior that develops deep, rich flavor compounds through the Maillard reaction, which enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Can I substitute red wine with something else?

If you prefer, you can use beef stock, grape juice, or non-alcoholic red wine as alternatives that will still provide moisture and depth to the braising liquid.

• How can I tell if the lamb is cooked perfectly?

The lamb is done when it’s fork-tender and easily falls off the bone, which typically occurs after 2-3 hours of slow braising at a low temperature.

Why Succulent Braised Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Vegetables Is a Treat

• Savor Tender Perfection: This lamb shank recipe delivers incredibly soft meat that practically melts in your mouth, creating a luxurious dining experience with minimal cooking skills required.
• Craft a Gourmet Meal Easily: Professional-level results come from simple techniques like braising, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses family and guests without complex culinary training.
• Customize with Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted vegetables provide flexibility to use whatever produce is fresh and available, making this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences and kitchen inventory.
• Elevate Weeknight or Weekend Dining: Perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions, this dish offers a sophisticated meal that feels like a culinary celebration without overwhelming preparation.

Ingredients for Braised Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Vegetables

• Lamb Shanks: Rich, tender cut of meat perfect for slow braising and creating a deeply flavorful main course.

• Red Wine, Beef Broth: Provide depth of flavor and help tenderize the meat during cooking.
• Onion, Garlic: Add aromatic base and enhance the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Rosemary Sprigs: Contribute a fragrant, earthy herb note that complements the lamb's richness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the lamb and roasting vegetables, adding a subtle fruity undertone.

• Potatoes: Starchy base for creating a creamy, comforting side dish.
• Milk: Provides smoothness and richness to the mashed potatoes.

• Carrots, Zucchini, Bell Peppers: Colorful mix of vegetables that adds nutrition and variety to the plate.

Stepwise Cooking Instructions for Braised Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Vegetables

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a flavor-packed adventure.

Step 2: Give the Lamb Some Love

Massage the lamb shanks with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, making sure every inch gets some seasoning attention.

Step 3: Create Golden Sear Magic

• Olive oil

Heat a large oven-proof pot over medium-high heat. Drop in the lamb shanks and dance them around until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust on all sides.

Step 4: Aromatics Awakening

• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)

Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become soft and release their mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 5: Liquid Flavor Boost

• Red wine
• Beef broth
• Rosemary sprigs

Pour in the red wine and beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Nestle the rosemary sprigs into the liquid for an herbal kick.

Step 6: Slow Braising Technique

Cover the pot and slide it into the preheated oven. Let the lamb simmer and transform for 2-3 hours until the meat becomes so tender it practically falls off the bone.

Step 7: Creamy Potato Perfection

• Potatoes
• Milk
• Salt
• Pepper

Boil the potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender. Drain and mash them into cloud-like submission, blending in milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and dreamy.

Step 8: Roasted Vegetable Celebration

• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Chop the vegetables and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast until they’re caramelized and tender.

Step 9: Plate and Devour

Arrange the falling-apart lamb shanks alongside the creamy mashed potatoes and colorful roasted vegetables. Get ready for a meal that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Pro Tips for Perfect Braised Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Vegetables

• Select lamb shanks with good marbling for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Sear the lamb shanks thoroughly to lock in juices and develop a deep, caramelized exterior before braising.
• Use a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to enhance the meat's depth and create a robust sauce.
• Allow enough braising time for the lamb to become meltingly tender, checking occasionally to prevent drying out.
• Opt for fresh rosemary instead of dried herbs to provide a more vibrant and aromatic herb profile in the dish.

Succulent Braised Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Vegetables Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean lamb shank symphony sings with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat nestled beside creamy mashed potatoes and perfectly roasted seasonal vegetables. Robust flavors and hearty comfort invite you to savor this classic culinary masterpiece from Southern Italy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 lamb shanks

Herbs and Seasoning:

• 2 sprigs rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Assorted vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)

Liquids and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) red wine
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) to create an ideal cooking atmosphere.
2. Generously coat lamb shanks with salt and pepper, ensuring full seasoning coverage for robust flavor development.
3. Activate a large oven-proof pot over medium-high heat, introducing olive oil to create a sizzling surface for meat browning.
4. Carefully rotate lamb shanks, developing a rich golden exterior that seals in succulent juices and creates complex flavor layers.
5. Introduce chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they transform into a fragrant, translucent base that enhances the meat’s profile.
6. Deglaze the pot with red wine and beef broth, meticulously scraping caramelized fragments from the bottom while incorporating rosemary sprigs for aromatic depth.
7. Secure the pot’s lid and transition to the preheated oven, allowing lamb to braise slowly for 2-3 hours until meat becomes extraordinarily tender and effortlessly separates from the bone.
8. Simultaneously prepare mashed potatoes by boiling cubed potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes, then transforming them into a creamy accompaniment using milk, salt, and pepper.
9. Prepare roasted vegetables by coating carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasting for 20-25 minutes until they achieve a perfect caramelized tenderness.
10. Artfully plate the braised lamb shanks alongside creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant roasted vegetables, creating a visually stunning and flavor-rich dining experience.

Notes

• Check lamb freshness by ensuring it has a bright red color and firm texture without any strong odors.
• Choose bone-in lamb shanks for maximum flavor and tenderness during braising process.
• Pat lamb shanks dry before seasoning to achieve perfect golden-brown sear and enhance caramelization.
• Low and slow cooking method breaks down tough connective tissues, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat texture.
• Opt for high-quality red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to enhance braising liquid’s depth and richness.
• Replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter alternative or accommodate vegetarian preferences.
• Allow meat to rest after cooking for 10-15 minutes to redistribute juices and maintain optimal moisture.
• Customize roasted vegetables by adding seasonal produce like parsnips or butternut squash for variety.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 850 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 55 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg