Delectable Lamb Shank Recipe with Olives & Wine
Are you looking for a delicious and hearty meal that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul? Look no further than this recipe for lamb shanks with olives and wine.
Braised lamb shanks are cooked to perfection in a rich sauce made with red wine, chopped tomatoes, green olives, and fragrant herbs. The dish is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family and is a favorite among both young and old. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for hosting dinner parties or cozy nights at home.
So why not give this recipe a try? With its tantalizing aroma and delicious flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a food lover looking to try something different, this lamb shanks with olives and wine recipe is perfect for you. Not only does it look and taste stunning, but it’s also easy to make and has a great depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Firstly, this dish promises juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender lamb shanks that have been braised in red wine and chicken stock for hours. This slow cooking method allows the intense flavors of the wine and stock to seep into the meat, resulting in a deliciously rich and flavorful meat that is both satisfying and comforting.
Secondly, the addition of green olives brings a pungent briney depth to the dish that goes perfectly well with the savory lamb. Kalamata olives and lemon add another dimension of flavor bringing out the Mediterranean essence of the dish.
The recipe also includes aromatics like onion and garlic which give off an appetizing aroma while enhancing the flavors of the dish. Lastly, earthy tones come from chopped canned tomatoes that deliver sweetness with every bite.
This recipe can be made using a slow cooker or in a braising pan, so it’s super versatile. It’s perfect for dinner parties or even for meal prep as it stores well in the refrigerator or freezer. Additionally, leftovers can be used as toppings on sandwiches or tacos.
To end on what is quite possibly my favorite note – imagine indulging in a warm homecooked meal on a chilly autumn evening, with creamy mashed potatoes washing down each mouthful of succulent lamb shank with tangy olives, all wrapped up in rich tomato sauce… Yum!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you will need for this Lamb Shanks with Olives and Wine Recipe:
- 4 lamb shanks
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups Burgundy wine (or any other dry red wine)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup brine from the green olives
- Optional: anchovies
- Optional: 1 preserved lemon
- Optional: herbs like thyme, rosemary, bay leaf
Note: Identify which brands or suppliers are best for each ingredient to help readers find them.
The Recipe How-To
Here’s the step-by-step guide in making this Lamb Shanks With Olives and Wine Recipe.
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Prepare the ingredients: Start off by preparing all the ingredients needed for the dish. Roughly chop 1 onion and 3 garlic cloves. Open a can of chopped tomatoes and drain 100g of green olives from its brine.
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Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3.
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Dust the lamb shanks with seasoned flour: In a large pan, heat up 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Dust the lamb shanks (4 large or 3) with seasoned flour (1/4 tsp salt and pepper).
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Brown the lamb shanks: Once hot, add the dusted lamb shanks to brown on all sides. Remove from pan once browned.
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Cook onion and garlic mixture: In the same pan, cook 1 chopped onion until it turns translucent. Add in the 3 chopped garlic cloves.
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Add tomato, wine, and olives: Pour in one can of chopped tomatoes and a glass of Burgundy wine (or any dry red wine). Add in the drained green olives.
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Stir in herbs: Mix in a teaspoon of herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to give more flavor to your braised lamb.
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Add back the lamb shanks Return cooked lamb shanks to the pot.
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Braise low and slow: Cover pot tightly with foil or lid then transfer to preheated oven . Braise for about two hours or until the meat is fork-tender.
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Make pan juices into sauce: While waiting for it to cook, make sure to baste it every half-hour using its own juices from cooking. This will infuse the meat with more flavor and moisture. Take out lamb shanks from the pot then transfer cooking ‘juices’ to a saucepan. Reduce for additional 20-30 minutes until you get a rich and flavorful red wine sauce.
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Serve: Serve lamb shanks on platter, drizzled with pan juices and garnished with chopped herbs or lemon zest. Add any sides of preference like mash potatoes or steamed vegetables.
This recipe yields tender and succulent braised lamb shanks that will surely impress your guests on special occasions or any random dinner plans.
Substitutions and Variations
The Lamb Shanks with Olives and Wine recipe offers a lot of room for experimentation! Here are some substitutes and variations you can try:
– Olives: You can experiment with different types of olives in this recipe. Kalamata olives or even preserved lemon would make a great substitute for the green olives.
– Wine: Although the recipe calls for Burgundy wine, you can also use a dry red wine like Pinot Noir, Syrah, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Alternatively, you can use white wine.
– Meat: If you’re not a fan of lamb, you can substitute it with beef or even pork.
– Tomato Base: You can replace the canned diced tomatoes with fresh tomatoes in season or even tomato paste for a more flavorful and concentrated tomato base.
– Herbs and Spices: If you have different herbs in your pantry, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, feel free to experiment with them to add different flavors to the dish.
– Vegetables: Onions and garlic are basic ingredients, but you can throw in other vegetables like carrots and celery to add texture and heartiness.
– Anchovies or capers: Adding anchovies or capers will add depth of flavor to the sauce
Whichever variant or substituion you choose to make in this recipe, make sure it complements the overall taste of the dish.
Serving and Pairing
Lamb shanks with olives and wine is a hearty and full-flavored dish that pairs perfectly well with a range of sides. The braised lamb shanks are succulent, rich, and savory, while the olives and red wine sauce offer a tangy and slightly sweet taste that complements the meat beautifully.
For a classic serving suggestion, pair the lamb shank with creamy mashed potatoes to help soak up all the delicious pan juices. Alternatively, you can serve it with crusty bread or fluffy couscous.
Wine pairing is crucial for any gourmet meal, and this lamb recipe is no exception. A full-bodied, robust red wine like Burgundy or dry red wine would be a perfect match for this flavorful, richly braised lamb dish. You can also use white wine if preferred but avoid something too sweet.
For added depth of flavor, add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, to garnish the dish. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can serve it with preserved lemon or kalamata olives on top for an extra zingy taste.
Now that we have perfected the lamb shanks with olives and wine recipe let’s pour ourselves a glass of Burgundy wine and savor every bite of this warm comforting dish.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This recipe for Lamb Shanks with Olives and Wine is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors will only continue to deepen as it sits, so it’s actually better if you make it the day before you plan on serving it.
If you do decide to make it ahead of time, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat the dish, simply place the lamb shanks and their sauce in a large pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they become heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave if you prefer.
This dish also freezes very well. Again, allow the lamb shanks to cool completely and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw the frozen lamb shanks, simply move them from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat as directed above.
With this easy reheating and storing process, you get still experience that melt-in-your-mouth braised lamb taste without all of the pressure of timing your meal perfectly.
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the perfect lamb shanks with olives and wine, here are some tips that I recommend:
1. Brown your lamb shanks before braising: This will give them a delicious crispy texture while also sealing in the meat’s juices.
2. Use a heavy-based pot or slow cooker: Braising requires consistent cooking at low temperatures, and using a heavy-based pot or slow cooker allows for an even heat distribution, ensuring that everything is cooked evenly.
3. Add herbs to the braising liquid: Bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary all work great in this recipe and add an extra depth of flavor.
4. Marinate your lamb shanks overnight: Marinating your lamb shanks overnight allows them to absorb all the flavors of the marinade, locking in that rich taste.
5. Don’t skip the wine: The Braised Lamb Shanks with Olives and Wine Recipe calls for both red and white wine, and it’s essential not to skimp on the amount or type; they add depth of flavor and aroma to the dish.
6. Use high-quality ingredients: This recipe consists of simple ingredients like garlic, onions, olives, and lamb shanks. Still, it’s vital to use high-quality ingredients to produce a flavorful dish as each ingredient carries its unique taste.
7. Cover tightly with foil before placing it into the oven: This will help retain moisture and keep everything cooking evenly.
8. Taste regularly: Throughout the cooking process, taste often to ensure that everything is seasoned correctly and adjust as necessary.
By following these tips mentioned above, you’ll surely get that perfectly braised lamb shank with olives and wine every time!
FAQ
As I conclude this recipe article on lamb shanks with olives and wine, I wanted to address some common questions that home cooks may have when making this dish. Here are the frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers, which will hopefully provide more clarity and guidance for your lamb shanks cooking adventure.
What wine is best for lamb shanks cooking?
When it comes to pairing wine with lamb shanks, I recommend going for a bolder and richer flavor that can match the gamey meat. Some great options to try would be cabernet sauvignon, grenache and shiraz. But if you want to explore something new, give carménère, nero d’Avola, or primitivo a go. These wines have the depth and succulence to amplify the flavor of the lamb shank dish.
Is red or white wine better with lamb shanks?
Pairing wine with lamb depends on the cooking style and cut of the meat. When lamb is cooked rare to medium-rare, it’s ideal to serve it with white wines, whereas roast lamb that is medium or well-done pairs best with complex red wines. Lamb shanks, being juicy and tender, require rich red wines, while white or light red wines are better-suited to lean lamb meat.
What is lamb shanks best served with?
When it comes to pairing side dishes with lamb shanks, I would recommend some mouth-watering options such as buttermilk mashed potatoes, minted peas, sourdough pita bread, and tabbouleh. Additionally, couscous with pistachio and apricots, French green beans, or a lemon basil orzo salad can also make for great accompaniments. If you’re looking for a low-carb side, ginger turmeric cauliflower rice is a delicious option.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Lamb Shanks with Olives and Wine recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves slow-cooked, hearty meals. The tender lamb shanks, savory olives, and rich Burgundy wine create a flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. Plus, the recipe is flexible and allows for substitutions and variations based on your personal preferences.
Whether you’re making a fancy dinner for guests or just want a comforting home-cooked meal, this dish is the perfect choice. So don’t hesitate to try it out – the delicious aroma alone will be worth it!
Lamb Shanks With Olives and Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large lamb shanks
- 1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
- 2 cups Burgundy wine
- 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced and cut into half rings
- 1 (5 ounce) jar green olives, drained
Instructions
- Using a small sharp knife, cut around though the meat down to the bone, about four inches from the small end of the shank. This will release the connective tendons from the end of the bone.
- Salt and pepper shanks well, and brown on all sides in a large chicken fryer pan, or dutch oven.
- Remove shanks, pour off most of the grease, and saute' the onion and garlic in the drippings, being careful to not burn the garlic.
- Add the tomatoes, wine, and olives, and place the shanks back into the pan, basting well.
- Bake tightly covered in the oven at 350 degrees for about two hrs, till meat is very tender. Return pan to stove top, and simmer uncovered for another 1/2 hr.to reduce the sauce. I serve it over mashed garlic potatoes, but rice or noodles would be good too.