Hairy Bikers Lamb Shanks Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Lamb Shanks recipe is a rich and flavorful dish, which uses tender lamb shanks and ripe tomatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 3 hours.

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Hairy Bikers Lamb Shanks Recipe Ingredients

• 4 lamb shanks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 1 fennel bulb, finely chopped (or more carrots)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 250 ml (1 cup) dry white wine
• 1 liter (1.75 pints) lamb or chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 ripe tomatoes, peeled and deseeded (or a 400g can of chopped tomatoes)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Hairy Bikers Lamb Shanks Recipe

1. Brown the lamb: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown lamb on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and fennel. Cook for 10 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in tomato purée.
3. Create the sauce: Deglaze with white wine, scraping the pan. Let it reduce by half. Stir in stock, tomatoes, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Braise the shanks: Return lamb shanks to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook in the oven: Cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
6. Serve: Remove lamb shanks and bay leaves. Serve with the rich sauce spooned over the top.

Recipe Tips

• What can I use instead of fennel?
  Just add extra carrots if you prefer a milder flavor.
• How to make the sauce thicker:
  Let it simmer on the stove uncovered for a few minutes after baking to reduce and thicken.
• Can I use canned tomatoes?
  Yes, a 400g can of chopped tomatoes works perfectly if you don’t have fresh ones.
• Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
  Not if using canned. For fresh, peeling improves the texture of the sauce.
• Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
  Yes, brown everything first and then slow cook on low for 8 hours.

What To Serve With Lamb Shanks

These lamb shanks pair beautifully with hearty sides that soak up the sauce:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered polenta
• Roasted root vegetables
• Crusty bread
• Steamed green beans

How To Store Lamb Shanks

Refrigerate:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze:
Freeze lamb and sauce together in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Lamb Shanks Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 610 per serving
• Protein: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use chicken stock instead of lamb stock?
Yes, chicken stock is a great substitute and still adds depth to the dish.

Why is my lamb not tender?
Make sure to cook long enough—at least 2 to 2.5 hours—for the meat to break down.

Can I use red wine instead of white?
Yes, red wine adds a deeper, richer flavor and works well in this recipe.

How do I make it ahead?
Cook completely, then chill and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Do I need to sear the lamb shanks first?
Yes, browning adds flavor and helps seal in moisture.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Lamb Hotpot Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Christmas Ham Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Chicken Soup Recipe