Name: Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style: Elevate Your Dinner Tonight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lamb shanks; approx. 1½ pounds each; ½ cup olive oil; 4 tablespoons butter; salt; ground black pepper; 2 yellow onions; coarsely chopped; 4 large carrots; coarsely chopped; 4 stalks celery; coarsely chopped; 8 garlic cloves; minced; 2 cups red wine; 1 (15 ounce) can canned crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 cups beef stock; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary; 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme; 1 tablespoon lemon zest

When it comes to hearty and flavorful meals, Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers. This sumptuous dish combines tender lamb shanks with a rich, aromatic sauce, creating a culinary experience that tantalizes the senses. As the meat slowly braises, it absorbs a medley of herbs and spices, resulting in a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Moreover, this classic recipe captures the essence of rustic Mediterranean cooking. Enveloping lamb shanks in a warm, savory sauce not only elevates the dish but also makes for an impressive presentation. Each forkful reveals succulent meat falling off the bone, making this Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style a must-try delight for anyone seeking a taste of indulgence and tradition in their kitchen.

What Makes Osso Buco Special:

Osso Buco, traditionally made with veal shanks, is renowned for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The term “Osso Buco” means “bone with a hole” in Italian, referring to the marrow-filled bone that contributes to the dish’s luxurious taste. In our twist, the classic recipe transforms with Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style, incorporating succulent lamb shanks that infuse a deeper flavor profile.

The braising process caramelizes the meat, while a medley of vegetables—onions, carrots, and celery—adds sweetness. However, what truly elevates this dish is the gremolata, a zesty condiment of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley, which brightens and enhances the rich sauce.

Furthermore, if you’re looking for a comforting side, consider pairing it with a delicious cinnamon apple crisp, perfect for complementing the savory lamb flavors. Check out this wonderful recipe for Cinnamon Apple Crisp. In essence, Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style combines traditional Italian roots with unforgettable flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Ingredients for Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style:

To create a flavorful dish of Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style, gather the following ingredients:

2 lamb shanks, approx. 1½ pounds each
½ cup olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
2 yellow onions, coarsely chopped
4 large carrots, coarsely chopped
4 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
8 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups red wine
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups beef stock
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon lemon zest

This rich recipe delivers comfort and flavor, reminiscent of traditional Italian cuisine. After preparing the shanks, consider pairing the dish with a refreshing drink like strawberry lemonade slushie for a delightful contrast. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

How to Prepare Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style:

To create a sumptuous Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style dish, begin by seasoning the lamb shanks with salt and black pepper. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, then remove and set aside. In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Next, deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock, then return the lamb shanks. Incorporate lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover, simmer gently for 2-3 hours, until the meat is tender. Serve this delightful Osso Buco-style dish with creamy polenta or risotto for a comforting meal. For more variations, you might enjoy my recipe for one skillet chicken with lemon garlic cream sauce or delve deeper into the techniques at Savor the Best.

Cooking Techniques for Exceptional Flavor:

To elevate your Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style, start with a flavorful browning process. Searing the lamb shanks in a hot pan creates a caramelized crust that locks in juices. Following this step, enrich the dish by introducing aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until soft, allowing their natural sweetness to develop, which adds depth to your meal.

Additionally, braising is key. After browning, pour in a robust stock or wine, ensuring the shanks are partially submerged. This gentle cooking method allows the lamb to become tender and absorb the flavors of the liquid. For a delightful twist, consider serving your dish with a side of creamy mushroom pearl couscous soup. The creaminess complements the richness of the lamb shanks beautifully, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Serving Suggestions for Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style:

When savoring Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style, the right serving suggestions elevate the dish’s rich flavors. Begin with a bed of creamy polenta or risotto, which beautifully absorbs the savory sauce, enhancing every bite. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch and fresh notes.

For a colorful side, consider a crisp arugula salad tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens contrast wonderfully with the tender lamb shanks. If you’re in the mood for a heartier side, creamy mushroom pearl couscous soup makes a delightful pairing. This cozy dish complements the lamb while providing an extra layer of comfort.

Finish your meal with something sweet, like a scoop of gelato or the best cloud bread recipe, which offers a light, fluffy end to an indulgent feast that celebrates the succulent flavors of the Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style.

Storage Tips for Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style:

To keep your Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style fresh, allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in portions, ensuring proper packaging to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat gently. Pair this dish with a delightful side, perhaps Creamy Mushroom Pearl Couscous Soup for a flavorful meal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style?

Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style refers to a gourmet preparation that showcases the rich flavor and tenderness of lamb shanks, cooked slowly in a broth with vegetables, herbs, and wine. This dish is admired for its depth of flavor and the succulent meat that falls off the bone.

How long should I cook lamb shanks for optimal tenderness?

To achieve maximum tenderness in Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style, slow-cook them for at least 2 to 3 hours. This allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What sides pair well with lamb shanks?

Pair your delicious lamb shanks with creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A side salad, like a refreshing spinach and ham breakfast roll, can also balance the rich flavors well.

Can I use other meats instead of lamb shanks?

Yes, you can substitute lamb shanks with beef shanks for a similar dish. However, the flavor profile will differ slightly, as beef offers a bolder taste compared to lamb.

What wine is best for cooking lamb shanks?

A good red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style beautifully. These wines have the body to stand up to the rich flavors of the meat.

How do I store leftovers of this dish?

Store leftover lamb shanks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style: Elevate Your Dinner Tonight

Total Time: 50
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Lamb Shanks Osso Buco Style recipe transforms tender lamb shanks into a delightful, hearty dish reminiscent of traditional osso buco, enriched with vegetables and red wine for enhanced flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lamb shanks

approx. 1½ pounds each

½ cup olive oil

4 tablespoons butter

salt

ground black pepper

2 yellow onions

coarsely chopped

4 large carrots

coarsely chopped

4 stalks celery

coarsely chopped

8 garlic cloves

minced

2 cups red wine

1 (15 ounce) can canned crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 cups beef stock

1 tablespoon lemon zest

3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon Fresh thyme

1 tablespoon lemon zest

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, and sear them until browned on all sides.
Remove the shanks and add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until vegetables are soft.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the red wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Incorporate the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, lemon zest, rosemary, and thyme into the mixture.
Return the lamb shanks to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.