There’s something about lamb shanks that screams romance. Maybe it’s the way they fall off the bone, or the rich and savory sauce that coats them, or the fact that they take hours to cook, showing your dedication and patience. Whatever it is, lamb shanks are a surefire way to impress your date and make them swoon.
But how do you make the perfect lamb shank dinner? You don’t need to be a master chef or have a fancy kitchen. All you need is a slow cooker, some basic ingredients, and a few tips from the experts. Here are three recipes that will help you create a lamb shank masterpiece that will make your date’s heart melt.
Slow Cooker Lamb Shank with Red Wine Sauce
The recipe is simple and elegant, using red wine, beef broth, and herbs to create a rich and flavorful sauce that complements the tender lamb. The best part is that you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work while you focus on other things, like picking out a nice bottle of wine or setting the mood with some candles and music.
To make this dish, you will need:
– 4 lamb shanks
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of red wine
– 2 cups of beef broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper and brown them in a large skillet over high heat, turning to sear all sides. Transfer them to a 6-quart slow cooker. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until soft, then deglaze the pan with the red wine, scraping up any brown bits. Pour the wine mixture over the lamb shanks, along with the beef broth, bay leaves, rosemary, and thyme. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the lamb is fork-tender. Remove the lamb shanks and keep them warm. Strain the cooking liquid and reduce it in a saucepan over medium-high heat until thickened, about 15 minutes. Serve the lamb shanks with the sauce, and some mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables on the side.
Braised Lamb Shanks with Vegetables
I am sure it will be a feast for the eyes and the palate, featuring colorful and nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and tomatoes, along with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. The lamb shanks are braised in a Dutch oven, creating a succulent and tender meat that falls off the bone.
To make this dish, you will need:
– 4 lamb shanks
– Salt and pepper
– 2 teaspoons of cumin
– 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika
– 1 teaspoon of allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 6 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– 2 cups of water
– 4 bay leaves
– 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
– 4 celery stalks, cut into chunks
– 2 cups of cherry tomatoes
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Season the lamb shanks with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, allspice, and cinnamon. Dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the lamb shanks on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer them to a plate and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add the chicken broth, water, bay leaves, and rosemary and bring to a boil. Return the lamb shanks to the pot, along with the carrots, celery, and tomatoes. Cover and transfer to the oven. Bake for 2 1/2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the vegetables are cooked. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with some crusty bread or couscous.
Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks with Mint Gravy
This is a classic and comforting dish, made with mint sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lamb stock to create a delicious gravy that pairs perfectly with the juicy lamb. The mint provides a refreshing and bright flavor that complements the richness of the meat.
To make this dish, you will need:
– 4 lamb shanks
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
– 4 tablespoons of mint sauce
– 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
– 2 cups of lamb stock
– 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons of water
– Fresh mint leaves, chopped, for garnish
Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper and brown them in a large skillet over high heat, turning to sear all sides. Transfer them to a 6-quart slow cooker. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until soft, then add the mint sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lamb stock and bring to a boil. Pour the mixture over the lamb shanks, making sure they are submerged. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the lamb is fork-tender. Remove the lamb shanks and keep them warm. Strain the cooking liquid and transfer it to a saucepan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir it into the saucepan. Cook, stirring, until the gravy is thickened, about 10 minutes. Serve the lamb shanks with the gravy, and some mashed potatoes and green beans on the side. Garnish with mint leaves.
There you have it, three amazing lamb shank recipes that will make your date night unforgettable. Whether you choose the red wine sauce, the braised vegetables, or the mint gravy, you can’t go wrong with these slow-cooked wonders. Just don’t forget to save some room for dessert!
Related posts:
Slow Cooker Lamb Shank Easy Recipe | Hearth and Vine
Super Tender Braised Lamb Shanks (Slow Cooker Option)
Deliciously Tender Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks – Liana’s Kitchen
