Braised, Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

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‘Tis the season for getting together with friends and family.

For as long as I can remember, our family has been making a turkey for Christmas dinners. And I am so over it.

I’m sick of carrying a 15 pound bird from the grocery store.

I’m sick of basting the bird every half hour.

I’m sick of the same tasting bird year after year. …After year.  …After year.

So this year, I decided to change it up. I wanted something easy – that didn’t look like it was easy.

I wanted something that looked refined and elegant, and tasted delicious. And most of all, I wanted something easy.

I have a serious love for my slow cooker.  You couldn’t pry it away from me. I love finding new recipes for my slow cooker.  It really is the best “set it and forget it” kitchen appliance.

Every time I go out for dinner, I check to see if lamb is on the menu. And if it is, that’s what I’m getting!  So why not make it at home.  This recipe is just as delicious. And when you make it at home, its always a fraction of the price (and who doesn’t love that?!!?)

I sear the lamb shanks before putting it in the slow cooker. This seals all that delicious flavor in. The red wine also adds a beautiful richness to the lamb. And I guarantee you, there is no “gamey” taste so often associated with lamb with this recipe.

For the ed wine, don’t bother getting anything expensive. I usually use whatever is leftover from a night with the girls – as long as it hasn’t been open for too long and turned acidic.

If you are entertaining this season, this is the only entree to serve your guests! It is literally, fall off the bone perfection.

I serve this with chive and cheddar mash potatoes, drizzled with the lamb gravy, and grilled asparagus. Delicious!

Believe me, this recipe is sure to impress your guest!

braised lamb shanks

Description of Recipe

Serves: 4

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 6 hours

Ingredients:

• 4 lamb shanks
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 350 ml red wine
• 250 ml beef or chicken broth
• flour
• salt and black pepper to taste
• a spring of rosemary
• olive oil

Instructions:

1. heat a frying pan with a little olive oil on medium high heat
2. clean lamb shanks of access fat and pat dry
3. season lamb with salt and pepper
4. dust lamb in flour
5. sear lamb in the frying pan on all sides until a light crust forms
6. place lamb in the slow cooker
7. deglaze frying pan with the red wine and let simmer for5 minutes
8. add onions, garlic, rosemary, broth and wine to the slow cooker
9. set slow cooker for 6 hours

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