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Braised Lamb Shanks With Citrus Gremolata

Here's how you make Braised Lamb Shanks With Citrus Gremolata
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  • Servings: 4
  • Prep: 20m
  • Cook: 4h
    • The following recipe serves 4 people.

Ingredients

The ingredients are:
  • 5 pounds lamb shank (4 shanks, each about 1 1/4 pounds; 1 shank is a portion)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin)
  • 4 (3/4 pounds) carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 4 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 6 garlic cloves (or more!)
  • 1 Spanish onion (large onion, or 2 small yellow onions, cut into 1-inch dice)
  • 2 cans (12 ounces) tomato paste (6-ounce EACH)
  • 2 cups red wine (hearty red wine)
  • 3 to 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary leaves
  • 5 bay leaves
  • Thyme branches (10 to 12, tied together in a bundle)
  • FOR GREMOLATA
  • 1 orange, whole (zested)
  • 1 lemon, whole (zested)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (small clove)
  • 2 tablespoons horseradish, freshly grated (optional)
We recommend you get your ingredients ready before you start cooking. Once you're ready, here are the steps to making this delicious recipe

How to Make

  • Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  • Make sure your lid knob can handle the heat. If not, you can also braise on the stovetop, but carefully monitor the liquid to avoid burning.

  • Step 2: Coat a large Dutch oven generously with olive oil and bring to a high heat. Season the shanks generously with salt and add them to the pan. Brown well on ALL sides. This is an very important step; don't try to rush it.

  • Step 3: Meanwhile, puree the onions, carrots, celery and garlic in a food processor until it becomes a coarse paste. You should still be able to see small chunks of veggies. Set aside.

  • Step 4: Remove the shanks from the pan and set aside. Discard the excess fat from the pan. Add a little more olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan and add the pureed veggies. Season with salt, to taste. Saute the veggies until they are very brown and aromatic, about 20-25 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom frequently. The brown veggies should form a sort of crust on the bottom of the pan, do not let this burn; it is where a lot of the flavor is! Don't rush this step either, since this is where you will develop the brown color and flavor.

  • Step 5: Add the tomato paste and brown for 5 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom frequently. Stir in the wine, mixing until thoroughly incorporated. Stir frequently and cook until the wine has reduced by about half.

  • Step 6: Add 3-4 cups water, stirring until thoroughly incorporated. Add the chopped rosemary, bay leaves, and the thyme bundle. Add the shanks back to the pot. The shanks should be submersed. If they aren't, add more water. Cover and put in the preheated oven.

  • Step 7: The cooking time will be about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Turn the shanks over about halfway through the cooking time. Check the shanks every 45 minutes or so. If the liquid has reduced too much add more water. If desired or needed, defat as you go.

  • Step 8: When the shanks are done the meat should be incredibly tender and flavorful. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with Gremolata.

  • TO MAKE THE GREMOLATA

  • Step 9: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and set aside until ready to use.

Tips & Variations

Don't forget the following tips and variations.
  • Food processor
  • Heavy enameled cast iron dutch oven

We hope you enjoy this recipe!

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