Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes is a show-stopping dish that will impress your guests or elevate your family dinner. This recipe blends tender lamb shanks with a rich red wine and herb sauce, complemented by perfectly roasted potatoes. It’s perfect for special occasions, cozy dinners, or any time you crave comfort food. The standout quality of this dish lies in its robust flavors and the ease of preparation, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of red wine and fresh herbs creates a deep, savory sauce that perfectly enhances the lamb.
- Tender Meat: Slow-cooking the lamb shanks ensures they are incredibly tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can create an impressive meal without stress.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this dish fits right in.
- Versatile Sides: Pair it with roasted potatoes or other sides to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes, you’ll need some essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Perfect for slow-cooking, this heavy pot retains heat well and is ideal for braising meat.
- Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables easy and safe.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in your dish.
Ingredients
For the Lamb Shanks
- 4 lamb shanks (about 2 lbs total)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1 cup red wine (dry, like Cabernet or Merlot)
- 2 cups beef or lamb broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by chopping all vegetables as listed. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper before cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Lamb Shanks
In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the lamb shanks. Sear each side until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from pot and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Step 4: Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour in the red wine while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Add Broth and Herbs
Return the lamb shanks to the pot. Add beef or lamb broth along with tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 2 hours or until the lamb is tender. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid; add water if necessary.
Step 7: Roast Potatoes (Optional)
While the lamb is cooking, you can prepare roasted potatoes separately. Cut potatoes into chunks, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes until crispy.
Step 8: Serve
Once cooked through, remove lamb shanks from heat. Serve them over roasted potatoes and garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
How to Serve Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes
Serving Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes can transform a simple meal into a gourmet experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish.
Classic Presentation
- Plating: Serve the lamb shanks on a large platter, surrounded by the roasted potatoes. Drizzle sauce over the meat for a rich look.
- Garnish: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top for color and aroma.
Pair with Seasonal Vegetables
- Roasted Vegetables: Include seasonal veggies such as carrots and Brussels sprouts that complement the lamb’s flavors.
- Greens: A side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
Accompany with Bread
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Serve garlic bread for an additional flavor boost that pairs well with the meal.
Wine Suggestions
- Red Wine: Pair your dish with the same red wine used in cooking to enhance its flavors.
- Light White Wine: A crisp white wine can also provide a refreshing contrast if you prefer something lighter.
How to Perfect Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes
To achieve tender and flavorful lamb shanks, follow these helpful tips.
- Use quality ingredients: High-quality lamb and fresh herbs make a significant difference in taste.
- Sear before braising: Browning the lamb shanks first enhances their flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
- Low and slow cooking: Braising at low temperatures allows the meat to become tender and absorb all the flavors from the sauce.
- Resting time: Let the shanks rest after cooking for at least 10 minutes. This helps retain juices when slicing.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving, and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes
Complementing your Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes with the right sides can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes create a comforting base that pairs well with rich sauces.
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic add brightness and crunch to your meal.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory honey-glazed carrots provide a delightful contrast to savory lamb.
- Braised Cabbage: Cooked slowly, cabbage becomes tender and flavorful, making it an excellent side for hearty dishes.
- Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous infused with herbs complements lamb beautifully while adding texture.
- Cauliflower Gratin: Creamy cauliflower gratin is indulgent and pairs well with robust flavors of lamb shanks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Ignoring the seasoning: Failing to season your lamb shanks properly can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt and pepper generously before cooking for the best taste.
- Not browning the meat: Skipping the browning step can result in less flavor. Make sure to sear the lamb shanks in olive oil until golden brown for a rich, savory depth.
- Using low-quality wine: Choosing a poor-quality red wine can negatively impact your sauce. Opt for a good dry wine like Cabernet or Merlot that you would enjoy drinking.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Add them at different times based on their cooking needs to maintain texture and flavor.
- Skipping the resting period: Not allowing the lamb shanks to rest after cooking can make them tough. Let them sit for about 10 minutes before serving for optimal tenderness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days for best quality.
Freezing Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wine for Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks?
The best wine for this recipe is a dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. These wines provide deep flavor and complement the dish beautifully.
Can I use other cuts of meat instead of lamb shanks?
Yes, you can use other cuts like lamb shoulder or beef shanks. However, cooking times may vary depending on the cut’s size and toughness.
How long should I cook Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks?
You should cook lamb shanks for about 2-3 hours on low heat. This slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and infused with flavor from the sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to cooking, then store it covered in the fridge overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before cooking it.
Final Thoughts
The Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. Its rich flavors and tender meat make it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, feel free to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or seasonal vegetables! Enjoy creating this comforting dish!
Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Red Wine & Herb Lamb Shanks with Roasted Potatoes—an impressive dish that’s perfect for both special occasions and cozy family dinners. This recipe features tender, slow-cooked lamb shanks bathed in a savory red wine and herb sauce, paired beautifully with golden roasted potatoes. With its robust flavors and simple preparation process, this meal is a hit among novice and seasoned cooks alike.
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks (about 2 lbs total)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet or Merlot)
- 2 cups beef or lamb broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Fresh rosemary and thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until browned, then remove.
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; cook until softened.
- Deglaze with red wine and reduce slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Return lamb to the pot with broth, tomato paste, herbs, and bay leaves; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours until tender.
- Serve over roasted potatoes garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 755mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 112mg
Keywords: To enhance flavor, use high-quality ingredients such as fresh herbs and a good dry red wine. Browning the meat properly adds depth to the dish while cooking it low and slow ensures tenderness. Enjoy your meal with crusty bread or seasonal vegetables for a complete dining experience.
