Lamb Shanks With Merlot And Garlic Recipes

LAMB SHANKS BRAISED IN MERLOT WITH FIGS

Steps:

• Place the lamb shanks in a deep dish with the onions celery, olives, capers, dried figs, black pepper, rosemary and garlic.
• Pour over the merlot and marinate, covered, in the fridge for at least 4 hours-24 hours for preference.
• Remove the shanks from the marinade.
• Reserve the marinade.
• Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan and brown the shanks on all sides.
• Transfer them to a casserole dish.
• Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir over a moderately high heat until it becomes a deep reddish brown colour.
• add the stock and bring to the boil.
• Pour over the meat and add the reserved marinade ingredients.
• Cover and cook at 160c for 2-2 1/2 hours or until the meat is nearly falling foo the bone.
• Season to taste, serve over mash with greens on the side.

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS IN ORANGE-MERLOT SAUCE (PASSOVER)

Steps:

• Combine the basil, oregano, rosemary, orange juice, orange zest, Merlot and garlic and pour over the rinsed lamb shanks in a wide glass dish (shanks should be in a single layer).
• Turn the shanks to coat and cover.
• Marinate 2 hours at room temperature, turning the meat every half hour or marinate in the refrigerator, turning meat occasionally.
• Remove the shanks from the marinade and dry them with paper towels. Reserve the marinade.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Season the lamb with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Heat a large skillet over high heat for 20 seconds. Add the olive oil and heat for 10 seconds then lower the heat to medium-high and add the lamb shanks.
• Cook each side for approximately 2 minutes until browned on all sides.
• Place shanks in a single layer in a casserole dish and pour the chicken stock into the hot pan.
• Scrape up any meat particles, add them to the reserved marinade and pour over the shanks in the casserole and cover with a lid (use foil if no lid).
• Put casserole in the preheated oven and immediately reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. (The hot oven will sear the meat initially, but the mixture needs to cook at a lower temperature or the meat will toughen.).
• Roast for 45 minutes then baste and cook for another 1-1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
• If the liquid has reduced greatly, add 1/2 cup of water to the pan.
• Remove the shanks to a serving platter and keep warm.
• If the gravy is too watery, boil the liquid down 5-10 minutes, or until it is the consistency of tomato sauce.
• Drizzle some of the sauce over the shanks and serve.