For a richer flavor, use bone-in lamb shanks. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. The lamb shanks can be prepared a day ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Indulge in the rustic charm of braised lamb shanks, a culinary masterpiece where patience yields unparalleled tenderness. This dish transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of flavors, perfect for a hearty family meal or an elegant dinner party.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). (Prep time: 5 minutes)
Place lamb shanks in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil; season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary and thyme. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
Roast in the preheated oven until lamb shanks are brown, about 30 minutes. (Cook time: 30 minutes)
Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). (Prep time: 5 minutes)
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot; cook until onion is browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in flour until combined. Add garlic; cook, 1 minute. Stir in wine, scraping up the brown bits of food off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in broth, water, vinegar, and cinnamon; pour over lamb shanks. (Prep time: 20 minutes)
Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil, sealing it loosely so the sauce can reduce slightly as it cooks. (Prep time: 2 minutes)
Bake lamb shanks in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Flip lamb shanks; place foil back on the pan. Continue baking until lamb shanks are fork-tender, about 1 hour more. Transfer lamb shanks to a large bowl, cover with foil, and rest for 10 minutes. (Cook time: 2 hours 10 minutes)
Meanwhile, transfer braising liquid to a saucepan over high heat; boil for 10 minutes, skimming fat as it reduces and slightly thickens. Stir in 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary; taste and adjust seasonings. Serve lamb shanks with sauce. (Cook time: 15 minutes)
For a richer flavor, use bone-in lamb shanks. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. The lamb shanks can be prepared a day ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Claudie Lockman
Apr 17, 2025I was a bit intimidated by the cook time, but it was so worth it. The lamb shanks were fall-off-the-bone tender. My family loved it!
Sigurd Schuppe
Nov 7, 2024I made this for a dinner party, and everyone raved about it! The presentation is beautiful, and the taste is even better.
Enrique Grantjacobs
Sep 25, 2024This recipe is a game-changer! The lamb was incredibly tender, and the sauce was bursting with flavor. Definitely making this again!
Miles Shields
Aug 4, 2024The balsamic vinegar adds a wonderful tang to the sauce. I served it with mashed potatoes, and it was the perfect comfort meal.
Maude Bins
Jul 1, 2024I didn't have red wine on hand, so I used a dry sherry, and it worked perfectly. Don't be afraid to experiment with this recipe!
Winston West
Apr 18, 2024This is now my go-to recipe for lamb shanks. The aroma while it's cooking is heavenly!
Jazlyn Herzog
Apr 4, 2024Great recipe! Next time, I will try adding some root vegetables like parsnips and turnips for extra depth of flavor.
Easton Corwin
Jan 3, 2024Easy to follow instructions and a delicious result. I added a bay leaf to the braising liquid for extra flavor.