Best 6 Braised Lamb Shanks With Dried Fruits Recipes

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Indulge in the culinary delight of braised lamb shanks, a dish that exudes both elegance and rustic charm. Originating from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, this classic recipe has captivated taste buds for centuries. Picture succulent, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks slowly braised in a rich and flavorful sauce, infused with the essence of aromatic herbs, dried fruits, and spices. The result is a tender and delectable masterpiece that promises to tantalize your senses and leave you craving for more.

But the journey to creating this mouthwatering dish doesn't end there. The article presents a diverse collection of braised lamb shank recipes, each offering unique culinary adventures. From the traditional Moroccan lamb shanks with apricots and honey to the robust red wine-braised lamb shanks, there's a recipe to suit every palate.

One recipe takes you on a culinary exploration of the Mediterranean with a vibrant blend of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and capers, while another introduces a touch of sweetness with the addition of dried cherries and a luscious pomegranate molasses sauce. For those who prefer a classic approach, a recipe featuring a medley of aromatic vegetables and herbs promises a comforting and heartwarming experience.

And for those looking for a modern twist, one recipe incorporates the tangy brightness of citrus fruits, creating a delightful balance of flavors. With step-by-step instructions and detailed ingredient lists, the article ensures that both seasoned cooks and culinary enthusiasts can embark on this culinary journey with ease.

So gather your ingredients, select your preferred recipe, and prepare to savor the delectable symphony of flavors that awaits you in the world of braised lamb shanks.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

PASSOVER-INSPIRED BRAISED LAMB WITH DRIED FRUIT



Passover-Inspired Braised Lamb With Dried Fruit image

This is a play on tsimmes, a traditional Jewish casserole. The flavors of North Africa and the Middle East are utilized for this lamb shoulder. Braising the meat in red wine yields a tender cut of meat without a lot of work.

Provided by Mark Bittman And Sam Sifton

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 3h

Yield At least 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lamb shoulder, boned, about 4 pounds
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
1 large onion, peeled
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger, or 1 teaspoon dried
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons ground coriander
10 allspice berries or a pinch of ground allspice
1/2 to 3/4 bottle not-too-soft red wine
3/4 cup pitted prunes
3/4 cup pitted apricots
Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

Steps:

  • Season the meat with salt and pepper and put it in a pot that will fit it snugly and can later be covered. Add the spices and a 1/2 bottle of wine. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to a slow bubble, and cover. Cook about an hour, then add onion, garlic, ginger and dried fruit, and check to make sure the liquid isn't evaporating too quickly; turn and continue to cook. Add the remaining red wine if the mixture looks dry, but essentially cook this without fuss.
  • When the meat is very tender - after about 2 1/2 hours - uncover. Check and adjust the seasoning as necessary, garnish and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 595, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 39 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 31 grams, SaturatedFat 17 grams, Sodium 797 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Braised Lamb Shanks image

Provided by Food Network

Time 4h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons olive oil
4 small meaty lamb shanks (about 4 1/2 pounds), trimmed of fat
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
4 carrots, peeled and finely diced
3 small sprigs fresh rosemary
2 imported bay leaves
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups big-bodied young red wine
2 medium turnips (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh orange zest
1 small garlic clove, minced

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid over moderate heat until hot but not smoking. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper and cook, in batches if necessary, turning with tongs, until well browned, about 10 minutes each batch. Remove the lamb shanks with tongs to a plate and set aside.
  • Stir the onions, carrots, rosemary, bay leaves, and garlic into the dutch oven and cook, stirring, until the onions are very soft, about 5 minutes. Add 2 1/2 cups of the wine and deglaze the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning.
  • Return the lamb shanks to the pot and braise the mixture, tightly covered, in the oven for 1 hour. Uncover and braise for 2 more hours, turning the shanks every 30 minutes. Stir in the turnips and the remaining 1/2 cup of the wine, and continue to braise, in the oven for 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • While the lamb shanks are braising, make the gremolata: chop together the rosemary, orange zest, and garlic. Place each lamb shank on a serving plate, top with the vegetables, sprinkle with gremolata and serve immediately.

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH DRIED FRUITS



Braised Lamb Shanks with Dried Fruits image

Categories     Fruit     Lamb     Braise     Spring     Kosher     Gourmet

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 22

For marinade
2 cups dry white wine
5 tablespoons olive oil
4 shallots, chopped fine
4 carrots, cut into 1/4-inch dice
4 garlic cloves, chopped fine
1 leek (white and pale green part only), halved lengthwise, washed well, and chopped fine
a bouquet garni composed of 1 bay leaf, 1 fresh thyme sprig, and 1/4 bunch fresh parsley sprigs tied together in a cheesecloth bag
1 tablespoon cumin seed
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
6 lamb shanks (about 6 pounds total)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
2 cups water
4 tart apples such Jonathan
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
6 dried figs, chopped
6 dried pitted dates, chopped
6 dried apricots, chopped
2 tablespoons raisins
1 cup packed fresh mint leaves, washed well, spun dry, and shredded fine

Steps:

  • Make marinade:
  • In a 9- to 10-quart heavy ovenproof kettle whisk together marinade ingredients.
  • Add shanks to marinade and toss to coat. Marinate shanks, covered and chilled, at least 8 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Transfer shanks with tongs to a plate. Pat shanks dry and season with salt and pepper. Pour marinade through a sieve set over a bowl and reserve vegetables, liquid, and bouquet garni separately. In kettle heat 2 tablespoons oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and brown shanks on all sides in batches, transferring to a plate. Add reserved vegetables to fat remaining in kettle and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add vegetables to shanks.
  • Add flour to kettle and cook over moderately low heat, stirring, 3 minutes, or until golden. Whisk in reserved marinade liquid and add reserved bouquet garni, shank mixture, and tomatoes. Bring mixture to a boil and simmer, uncovered, 20 minutes, or until liquid is reduced by half. Add water and braise mixture, covered, in middle of oven 2 hours, or until lamb is tender.
  • While shanks are braising, peel and core apples and cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices. In a large heavy skillet heat remaining tablespoon oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking and cook apples, stirring, 2 minutes. Add orange juice and simmer, covered, 20 minutes. Keep apple mixture warm.
  • Arrange shanks around edge of a large platter and spoon apple mixture into center of platter. Keep shanks and apple mixture warm.
  • Bring braising liquid to a boil, skimming any fat that rises to surface, and discard bouquet garni. Add dried fruits and mint and simmer sauce 5 minutes, or until fruits are softened. Season sauce with salt and pepper and spoon over shanks. Serve any remaining sauce separately.

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH DRIED FRUIT



BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH DRIED FRUIT image

Categories     Lamb     Braise     Dinner     Winter

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 22

4 lamb shanks (see Note)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon oil + oil as needed
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 cup medium-chopped celery
4 bay leaves
4 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup red wine
1/2 cup cider vinegar
4 cups beef broth
1 cup water
4 thyme sprigs
1/2 cup chopped dried plums
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped apricots
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon allspice berries
4 Thai bird chiles, lightly crushed
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325�. Trim excess fat from the shanks. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a little oil in a Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat. Add the shanks and sear until nicely browned. Remove from the pan and set aside. Pour off fat in pan, but leave the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Return the pan to the heat and add 1 teaspoon oil. Add the onion, carrots, celery and bay leaves and sweat until the vegetables are limp, adding the garlic toward the end. Add the wine and vinegar and simmer until reduced by about half. Add the broth and water and return to a simmer. Return the shanks to the pan. Add the thyme, dried plums, raisins, apricots, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, allspice, chiles and cumin. (If you want to easily remove the loose spices at the end of cooking, place the peppercorns, allspice and chiles in a cheesecloth bag or tea infuser before adding them to the pot.) The liquid in the pot should come at least halfway up on the shanks. If not, add more water or stock. Bring to a simmer, cover and place in the oven. Braise for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the meat is fork tender, turning the shanks every hour or so and checking the liquid level. Add more liquid as needed. Remove from the oven. Discard the cinnamon sticks, bay leaves and spices if desired. Simmer uncovered on the stove top until the sauce reaches the consistency you like. Season to taste. It will take more salt to get the flavors balanced. Don't be surprised if you use another 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon. Note: For the best presentation, buy whole lamb shanks; for the richest flavor, have the butcher to crack or saw through the shank bones crosswise, so the braising extracts the maximum amount of flavor and gelatin.

SLOW-COOKED LAMB WITH PRUNES AND DRIED APRICOTS



Slow-Cooked Lamb with Prunes and Dried Apricots image

This hearty dish features Middle Eastern flavors, including sumac, which has a tangy taste.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Lamb Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 lamb shanks (about 3/4 pound each shank)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups unsalted chicken stock, preferably homemade
2 tablespoons ground sumac (optional)
1 onion, cut into 1/8-inch slices
3 cups apricot nectar
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
3 whole dried allspice berries
2 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 sprigs fresh cilantro
2 sprigs fresh tarragon
2 sprigs fresh mint
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 cup dried apricots
1 cup prunes
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Citrus-Infused Israeli Couscous with Mint

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 250 degrees. In 7-quart flameproof casserole or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat vegetable oil until hot but not smoking. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over lamb shanks. Working in batches if necessary to keep them from touching during the initial searing, add shanks to pan (they should sizzle the moment they hit the pan). Cook lamb shanks until well browned on all sides, 10 to 15 minutes each side. Set browned lamb aside in a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the sumac, and stir to combine; set the mixture aside.
  • Add onion to the casserole, and cook over medium heat until softened and golden, 5 to 10 minutes. Add reserved stock mixture, apricot nectar, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice, parsley, cilantro, tarragon, mint, and paprika; stir to combine.
  • Return the reserved browned lamb shanks to the casserole. Place over medium-high heat, and bring the liquid in the casserole to a boil. Cover the pan, and transfer the casserole to the oven. Cook the mixture until the meat is tender, about 2 hours. Check the casserole in the oven occasionally to ensure a gentle simmer of the sauce, adjusting the heat of the oven or the height of the oven rack as necessary. The actual cooking time will vary depending on the size of the lamb shanks you started with. The meat should be very tender but should not fall off the bone, yet. Add the dried apricots, prunes, and chopped red bell pepper to the casserole, and continue to cook in the oven until the fruit has softened, about 1/2 hour more.
  • Remove the cooked lamb shanks, apricots, prunes, and bell pepper from the casserole, and place them in the bowl with the lamb. Cover them with aluminum foil to keep warm, and set aside.
  • Place the casserole over medium heat, and simmer until the liquid is thickened and reduced, about 15 minutes. Return the reserved lamb shanks, apricots, prunes, and bell pepper to the casserole just long enough to heat them through again, and stir them lightly to coat them with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Serve lamb shanks and sauce with couscous with mint and lemon.

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH PEPPERS



Braised Lamb Shanks With Peppers image

Hearty and aromatic, this braised lamb dish, adapted from my mother, Annette Gertner, takes inspiration from the Middle East by way of Eastern Europe. It simmers mostly unattended and even benefits from being made earlier in the day - or even a day or two in advance - and reheated. The four shanks yield four copious portions. (The recipe will serve six if every guest does not insist on having a bone.) Orzo alongside will sop up the sauce.

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     meat, main course

Time 3h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 small-to-medium lamb shanks (3 to 3 1/2 pounds), excess fat and silver skin removed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper
1 large green bell pepper, cored, ribs removed, cut in 1/2-inch strips
1 large red bell pepper, cored, ribs removed, cut in 1/2-inch strips
4 small yellow onions (about 1 pound), peeled and quartered vertically
3 large garlic cloves, smashed
1 teaspoon dill seed, crushed in a mortar
1 teaspoon paprika, preferably Hungarian
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup dry red wine
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill

Steps:

  • Pat dry lamb shanks. In a heavy casserole or Dutch oven that will hold all the shanks, heat oil on medium-high. Add lamb shanks and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove to a platter. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Add bell peppers and onions to the pan. Sauté, stirring, until the vegetables wilt and just begin to color, 5 to 6 minutes. Add garlic, dill seed, paprika and cinnamon. Stir. Add stock and wine. Bring to a simmer. Stir in tomato paste and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in lemon juice. Return lamb shanks to the pot along with any juices on the platter. Cover them with a piece of parchment or waxed paper, cover pot with lid, reduce heat to very low and cook about 2 hours, basting the shanks occasionally and turning them at least once until the meat is very tender when pierced with a knife.
  • Remove shanks from the pot. Increase heat to medium and reduce sauce by about a third, about 10 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Return shanks to the pot, baste and reheat. Serve directly from the casserole or transfer to a serving dish. Strew with fresh dill before serving.

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality lamb shanks: Look for meaty shanks with little fat and sinew.
  • Sear the shanks before braising: This step adds flavor and color to the meat.
  • Use a variety of dried fruits: Apricots, prunes, and raisins are all good choices.
  • Add a splash of wine or broth: This will help to create a flavorful braising liquid.
  • Cook the shanks until fall-off-the-bone tender: This will take at least 2 hours.
  • Serve the shanks with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Conclusion:

Braised lamb shanks with dried fruits is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. The lamb shanks are braised in a flavorful liquid until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, and the dried fruits add a touch of sweetness and complexity. Serve the shanks with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, and enjoy!

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