Citrus-Infused Braised Lamb Shanks
Indulge in the succulent flavors of Citrus-Infused Braised Lamb Shanks, a perfect dish for special gatherings or a comforting family dinner. This recipe showcases tender lamb shanks, slow-cooked to perfection in a fragrant sauce made with fresh oranges, lemon, and aromatic vegetables. The result is a luscious dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread, ideal for soaking up the rich, zesty sauce. Let the citrus notes elevate your dining experience and impress your guests with this gourmet treat that is surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for fall and winter, this dish embodies warmth and heartiness, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
800
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
lamb shanks
4 (trimmed)
carrot
1 (diced finely)
onion
1 medium (diced finely)
celery ribs
2 (diced finely)
olive oil
2-3 tablespoons (for sautéing and browning)
fresh thyme
2-3 sprigs (whole)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
oranges
2 (juice and zest (no pith))
lemon
1 (juice and zest (no pith))
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (concentrated tomato puree)
white wine
1.5 cups (preferably dry)
lamb stock
1 cup (or water)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed casserole dish, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced carrots, onion, and celery. Sauté gently until they are soft and translucent, around 5-7 minutes. Avoid browning the vegetables.
3
Once softened, stir in the fresh thyme, bay leaves, and finely chopped garlic. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Add the tomato paste, white wine, and lamb stock (or water) to the pot. Then, incorporate the juice and most of the zest from the oranges and lemon, reserving some zest and juice for later. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5
Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, then sear them until nicely browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This will enhance the flavor.
6
Transfer the browned lamb shanks into the casserole dish, nestling them into the fragrant vegetable mixture, and cover the dish with its lid.
7
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and braise for approximately 2 hours or until the meat is fork-tender and easily falls off the bone.
8
Once done, carefully remove the shanks, placing them on a serving platter to keep warm. Skim off excess fat from the surface of the sauce, and taste for seasoning, adjusting if necessary. If the sauce needs thickening, simmer it on the stovetop to reduce it to your desired consistency.
9
Stir in the reserved orange and lemon juice to brighten the flavor of the sauce.
10
To serve, place a lamb shank on each warmed plate, generously spoon the zesty sauce over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of the reserved zest.
Nutrition Information
50g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
50g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus-Infused Braised Lamb Shanks?
This dish features tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a fragrant sauce made with fresh oranges, lemon, and aromatic vegetables for a succulent, zesty flavor.
What temperature should I set my oven to for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) for a slow and gentle braising process.
How long do the lamb shanks need to braise?
The lamb shanks should braise for approximately 2 hours or until the meat is fork-tender and easily falls off the bone.
Is it necessary to sear the lamb shanks before braising?
Yes, searing the lamb shanks in a skillet until browned on all sides is recommended to enhance the overall flavor and color of the dish.
What type of wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine is preferred to complement the citrus notes in the sauce.
Can I substitute lamb stock?
If you do not have lamb stock, you can use water or a mild vegetable or chicken broth as a substitute.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 800 calories.
What is the fat content of the Citrus-Infused Braised Lamb Shanks?
A serving of this recipe contains about 50g of fat.
How much protein does this lamb dish provide?
This recipe provides 50g of protein per serving.
What are the primary aromatics used in the base?
The base uses a combination of carrots, onion, celery, garlic, fresh thyme, and bay leaves.
Should I include the citrus pith when zesting?
No, you should use only the zest and avoid the white pith, as the pith can introduce a bitter taste to the sauce.
What should I serve with these lamb shanks?
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread, which are perfect for soaking up the rich citrus sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
After removing the meat, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce it to your desired consistency.
What is the purpose of adding tomato paste?
Tomato paste adds depth of flavor and helps create a rich, concentrated sauce base.
Do I need to remove the herbs before serving?
It is best to remove the whole thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving for a smoother presentation.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, though fresh is preferred. Use about one-third the amount of dried thyme as you would fresh sprigs.
How many lamb shanks are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 trimmed lamb shanks.
What should I do with the extra citrus juice?
Reserve some of the orange and lemon juice to stir in at the very end to brighten the flavors before serving.
Is this dish suitable for winter?
Yes, this dish embodies warmth and heartiness, making it an ideal choice for fall and winter meals.
What kind of vessel is best for cooking this?
A large, heavy-bottomed casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for even heat distribution during braising.
How much white wine is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of white wine.
What is the garnish for this dish?
Garnish the lamb shanks with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of reserved citrus zest.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, braised dishes like lamb shanks often taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
How should I handle the fat on the surface of the sauce?
Once the cooking is finished, carefully skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce before serving.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
Are there many carbohydrates in this recipe?
There are approximately 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe use oil?
Yes, it uses 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables and an additional tablespoon for browning the lamb.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The carrots, onion, and celery should be finely diced to ensure they soften properly and meld into the sauce.
Can I use other citrus fruits?
While oranges and lemons are specified for this profile, you could experiment with blood oranges or tangerines for different citrus notes.
Is this a simple dish to prepare?
Despite its gourmet results, the recipe is surprisingly simple, involving basic sautéing and searing before a long, hands-off braise in the oven.