Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks and Tomatoes

(25)
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Prep Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs
Servings:
4

A long, gentle simmer slowly breaks down tougher cuts like lamb shank, leaving the meat flavorful, succulent, and tender.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced

  • Coarse salt and ground pepper

  • 5 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

  • 5 large tomatoes (about 4 ½ pounds total), coarsely chopped, or 2 cans (28 ounces each) plus 1 can (15 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes

  • 4 lamb shanks (about 4 pounds total)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes (if using canned, break them up) and cook until they break down, 6 to 8 minutes.

  2. Place lamb shanks in pot in a single layer so each shank is covered by sauce. Bring to a boil, cover, then place pot in oven. Cook until meat is very tender and falling off bones, about 3 1/2 hours. Skim fat from cooking liquid and season lamb with salt and pepper. Serve lamb with sauce.

Cook's Notes

Beef shins, a very affordable cut, or oxtails would be good in place of lamb shanks.

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