Craving Lamb Shanks? Here’s How to Slow Cook Them to Perfection

If you’re craving a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in, look no further than slow cooker lamb shanks. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your taste buds and warm you from the inside out. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to slow cooker lamb shanks, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time.

Ingredients

• 4 lamb shanks (about 2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the Lamb Shanks

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the shanks to the slow cooker.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add the Liquid

Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) into the slow cooker. Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the lamb shanks are fall-off-the-bone tender.

5. Remove the Lamb Shanks

Once the lamb shanks are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter.

6. Thicken the Sauce

If desired, you can thicken the sauce by straining it through a fine-mesh sieve and returning it to the slow cooker. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 15-20 minutes.

7. Serve

Serve the lamb shanks with the thickened sauce, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for Perfect Lamb Shanks

• For a richer flavor, use bone-in lamb shanks.
• If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth.
• Add vegetables such as potatoes, turnips, or parsnips to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
• Serve the lamb shanks with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Leftover lamb shanks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

The Secret to Tender Lamb Shanks

The key to achieving melt-in-your-mouth lamb shanks is to cook them low and slow. The extended cooking time allows the connective tissue in the meat to break down, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful shanks.

Red Wine or No Red Wine?

The addition of red wine to the slow cooker gives the lamb shanks a deep, rich flavor. However, if you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth.

Side Dishes to Complement Lamb Shanks

Lamb shanks pair well with a variety of side dishes, including:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Crusty bread
• Creamy polenta
• Grilled asparagus

Wrap-Up: A Culinary Masterpiece

Slow cooker lamb shanks are a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you’ll be rewarded with a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Can I use frozen lamb shanks?

Yes, you can use frozen lamb shanks. Thaw them completely before browning and cooking in the slow cooker.

2. How do I know when the lamb shanks are done cooking?

The lamb shanks are done cooking when they are fall-off-the-bone tender. You can test this by inserting a fork into the meat. If it slides in easily, the shanks are ready.

3. What can I do with the leftover sauce?

The leftover sauce can be used for a variety of purposes. You can serve it over rice or pasta, use it as a dipping sauce for bread, or simmer vegetables in it.