Slow-Braised Lamb Shanks in Wine Reduction
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Slow-Braised Lamb Shanks in Wine Reduction, a perfect dish for entertaining guests or enjoying a hearty family dinner. This recipe highlights tender lamb shanks, slowly braised to perfection with a harmonious blend of dry red wine, broth, and aromatic herbs. The inclusion of sweet brown sugar, tangy balsamic vinegar, and savory soy sauce enhances the overall depth of flavor, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon zest adds a refreshing finish. Ideal for preparation two days in advance, this dish offers convenience without compromising taste. As the shanks cook, the meat becomes succulent and the sauce thickens, making it a culinary masterpiece that shines in every season. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice and your choice of seasonal vegetables for a complete meal that will impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lamb Shanks
3-4 lbs (whole (approximately four 1 lb shanks))
Rosemary
4-6 sprigs (fresh or dried)
Dry Red Wine
1 3/4 cups (split into 3/4 cup for baking and 1 cup for sauce)
Water
1/2 cup (for braising)
Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth)
1 cup (for sauce)
Onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
Brown Sugar
5 tablespoons (for sauce)
Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons (for sauce)
Balsamic Vinegar
3 tablespoons (for sauce)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
Lemon Zest
1 lemon's worth (grated)
Fresh Parsley
1/2 cup (finely chopped, or use chopped spring onions)
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Braised Lamb Shanks in Wine Reduction?
It is a savory dish featuring tender lamb shanks slowly braised with dry red wine, broth, and aromatic herbs until the meat is succulent and the sauce thickens.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, this dish is ideal for preparation up to two days in advance without compromising the flavor.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3-4 lbs of lamb shanks, approximately four 1 lb shanks.
What kind of wine is recommended for the reduction?
A dry red wine is recommended for both the baking and the sauce reduction.
How much wine is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 3/4 cups of dry red wine, split into 3/4 cup for baking and 1 cup for the sauce.
Can I substitute the beef broth?
Yes, you can use chicken broth as an alternative to beef broth for the sauce.
What herbs are used for flavoring the lamb?
The recipe uses 4-6 sprigs of fresh or dried rosemary.
What should be served with these lamb shanks?
It is best served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice and seasonal vegetables.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be finely chopped for this recipe.
What adds sweetness to the braising sauce?
The sauce is sweetened with 5 tablespoons of brown sugar.
Is there vinegar in the recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar are used to add a tangy depth to the sauce.
What role does soy sauce play in this dish?
Soy sauce is used to enhance the savory depth and umami flavor of the wine reduction.
How much Worcestershire sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for the sauce mixture.
What is the purpose of lemon zest in this recipe?
Grated lemon zest is added at the end to provide a refreshing finish to the rich dish.
Can I use something other than fresh parsley?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley with chopped spring onions.
How much water is used for braising?
1/2 cup of water is required for the braising process.
Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for entertaining guests or a hearty family dinner.
What happens to the sauce as the shanks cook?
As the shanks cook, the sauce reduces and thickens into a rich culinary masterpiece.
How should the lamb be seasoned?
The lamb should be seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on the 3-4 lbs of meat (approximately four shanks), it typically serves 4 people.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a hearty meal suitable for every season.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, salt is added to taste to enhance all the savory flavors.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients listed for this Slow-Braised Lamb Shank recipe.
How should the rosemary be used?
The 4-6 sprigs of rosemary can be either fresh or dried depending on availability.
What texture should the meat have when finished?
The meat should be succulent and tender, easily pulling away from the bone.
Can I make this on a weeknight?
While it is a slow-braised dish, the make-ahead option makes it convenient for busy schedules if prepped in advance.
Is the beef broth used for the braising or the sauce?
The beef broth is specifically used as an ingredient for making the sauce.
Is the lemon zest added during cooking?
No, it is typically added as a finishing touch along with the fresh parsley.
Is this a good recipe for a dinner party?
Yes, its rich flavors and impressive presentation make it ideal for a dinner party.
What type of black pepper is best?
The recipe specifies using freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor profile.