Braised Lamb Shanks with Greek Flavors Recipe – Greek Special
Craving a hearty, comforting meal? Braised Lamb Shanks with Greek Flavors is the answer. This dish features lamb shanks slowly braised in a savory sauce made with tomatoes, red wine, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, creating a rich and flavorful profile. The slow cooking process ensures the meat becomes tender and succulent, falling off the bone with ease. Serve this dish over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside orzo pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this recipe brings the essence of Greek cuisine to your table.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time3 hr
- Total Time3 hr 15 min
Braised Lamb Shanks with Greek Flavors Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 lamb shanks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Sear the Lamb Shanks:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pot for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until browned.
Remove and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until soft.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Liquids and Herbs:
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, olives, oregano, rosemary, and lemon juice. Stir well.
Braise the Lamb:
Return the lamb shanks to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 2-2.5 hours, or until the lamb is very tender and falling off the bone.
Serve:
Remove the lamb shanks from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes.
Spoon some of the sauce and olives over the lamb, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Recipe Notes:
Alternative Vegetables: If you prefer, you can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes with other varieties like Russet or red potatoes for different textures in your mashed potatoes.
Herb Variations: While this recipe uses oregano, feel free to experiment with other herbs such as thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Wine Substitutes: If you don’t have red wine on hand, a dry white wine or even a splash of balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the taste.
Make-Ahead Tip: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, and reheating will make for an even more flavorful meal.
Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, consider serving the braised lamb shanks with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh Greek salad to balance the richness of the dish.
