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Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks with Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4 from 1 review

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks recipe features tender lamb shanks slowly braised in a rich tomato and red wine sauce infused with aromatic spices like oregano, paprika, cinnamon, and allspice. Served atop creamy Yukon gold mashed potatoes enriched with butter, cream cheese, and whole milk, this comforting dish is perfect for a hearty dinner that showcases classic Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

Lamb Shanks and Braising Ingredients

  • 4 lamb shanks (about 1600g total for 4 shanks)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cup pearl onions, peeled
  • 2 celery sticks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 28 oz jar or can tomato sauce
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Mashed Potatoes

  • 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1 inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 – 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup plain cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Season the Lamb Shanks: Generously season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for braising the lamb shanks.
  3. Sear the Lamb Shanks: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When hot, add lamb shanks and sear until browned on all four sides to lock in juices and build flavor.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Remove lamb and set aside. Add pearl onions and diced celery to the pot, cooking over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.
  5. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add oregano, paprika, garlic powder, allspice, cinnamon sticks, kosher salt, pepper, and bay leaves, mixing to combine.
  6. Deglaze and Build Braising Liquid: Pour in red wine and scrape the pot’s bottom to loosen browned bits. Cook for 3-4 minutes until wine reduces slightly, then add chicken broth and tomato sauce, stirring to mix.
  7. Braise the Lamb Shanks: Return lamb shanks to the pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Cover with lid and transfer to preheated oven. Bake for 1 1/2 hours covered, then remove lid and bake uncovered for an additional 30-45 minutes, until lamb is tender and falling off the bone. Check occasionally and add chicken broth if liquid reduces too much.
  8. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: About 30 minutes before lamb is done, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add Yukon gold potatoes and cook until fork-tender.
  9. Drain and Rice Potatoes: Remove from heat, drain water, and pass potatoes through a ricer into a bowl.
  10. Make Potato Cream Mixture: In the same large pot, melt butter over low heat. Stir in salt, pepper, whole milk, and cream cheese until fully combined and smooth. Turn off heat.
  11. Combine Potatoes and Cream Mixture: Add riced potatoes back into the pot. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, butter, or milk as desired. Cover and keep warm on stove.
  12. Serve: Plate a generous amount of mashed potatoes, top with braised lamb shank and spoon some braising liquid over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use a heavy Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid for ideal braising results.
  • Peeling pearl onions is easier if you blanch them in boiling water for a minute before peeling.
  • Check braising liquid occasionally and add more chicken broth if needed to prevent drying.
  • For deeper flavor, lamb shanks can be browned a day ahead and refrigerated overnight before braising.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, verify the tomato sauce and broth contain no gluten additives.
  • Ricing potatoes instead of mashing results in creamier, lump-free mashed potatoes perfect for pairing with lamb.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/greek-style-braised-lamb-shanks-with-mashed-potatoes-recipe/