Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups full-bodied red wine (Cabernet or Merlot)
- 2 cups beef or lamb stock
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy ovenproof pot over medium-high heat and brown shanks on all sides; remove and set aside.
2. Add onion, carrot, and celery to pot; cook until softened and starting to brown, 6–8 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes.
3. Deglaze with red wine, scraping up browned bits; reduce by half, about 5–8 minutes.
4. Return shanks to pot, add stock, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf so liquid comes about two-thirds up the shanks.
5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to a 325°F (160°C) oven. Braise until meat is tender, 2.5–3 hours.
6. Remove shanks and keep warm. Skim fat from sauce, simmer to reduce to desired consistency, adjust seasoning, and strain if desired.
7. Serve shanks with sauce spooned over mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread; garnish with parsley.