Simmered Lamb Shanks Serving with Fresh Mint-Parsley Sauce

Simmered Lamb Shanks Serving with Fresh Mint-Parsley Sauce

Slothing Away with a Springtime Spin on Braised Lamb Shanks

Can't get enough of the classic lamb-mint jelly combo? This delectable dish swaps less common lamb shanks for the classic, and brightens up the flavors with a zesty mint-orange pesto. It's the perfect way to bring a touch of spring to your meals all year round!

What You'll Need:We opted for lamb foreshanks for this recipe, in which you'll likely find them at most high-end butchers and grocery stores.

Your Game Plan:The pesto can be whipped up and the shanks can be completely cooked up to 2 days prior. Just don't mix in the pesto until the last minute. To serve, simply warm those shanks back up on the stove over medium-low heat, then fold in the pesto.

This delightful dinner project was part of our Hosting Your First Passover menu.

• Serves: 4
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Active Time: Around 60 minutes

Ingredient List (16):

For the lamb:

• 4 (12-ounce to 1-pound) whole lamb foreshanks, excess fat removed
• 12 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
• 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or water
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

For the pesto:

• 3 cups fresh mint leaves
• 2 cups fresh Italian parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 garlic clove
• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Cooking Instructions:

For the lamb:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F with a rack in the lower third. Using a paring knife, carve pockets approximately 3 inches long, starting at the tapered end of the shank, into the shanks. Stuff each shank with 3 garlic cloves and season well with salt and freshly ground pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to smoke, add the shanks and cook until nicely browned on all sides, about 7-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Allow the pot to cool before adding the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and returning it to the stove over medium heat. Once the oil begins to simmer, add the celery, carrot, and onion, seasoning them with salt. Cook until softened, approximately 4 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, add the wine or water, and stir, deglazing the pot. Increase heat to high and nestle the shanks among the vegetables, then add the broth and any accumulated juices (the broth should surround, but not cover, the shanks). Bring to a simmer.
4. Once simmering, cover and transfer to the oven. Cook the shanks, flipping them every 45 minutes or so, until the meat is tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Uncover and cook, flipping once more, until the meat falls off the bone, approximately 25 minutes more. Meanwhile, prepare your pesto.

For the pesto:

1. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment, combine the mint, parsley, orange juice, salt, and garlic. Process until smooth. With the motor running, add oil in a steady stream until it's evenly incorporated. Stir in orange zest and set aside.

Finishing the Lamb:

1. Remove the lamb from the oven, transfer it to a plate, and strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Return the sauce to the pot. Add the pesto, stirring to combine, then return the shanks to the sauce, turn to coat, and cook over low heat until warmed through. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Enrichment Data:To estimate the nutritional values for this delectable Braised Lamb Shanks with Mint-Orange Pesto dish, consider the typical components used in such a dish: lamb shanks, vegetables, olive oil, mint, orange zest or juice, garlic, and other additional herbs or spices. We've provided a rough breakdown based on similar braised lamb shank recipes:

Estimated Nutritional Values Per Serving (assuming 4 servings)Assumptions:

• Ingredients: 3.5 pounds lamb shanks, 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, onions), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 cup mint-orange pesto (made with mint leaves, orange peel, garlic, olive oil), salt, pepper.
• Serving Size: Approximately 0.875 pounds or 390 grams of shank, along with sauce.

Estimated Nutritional Values

| Nutrient | Value ||-------------------|-------------|| Calories | 500 - 600 || Protein | 40 - 45 grams || Fat | 30 - 35 grams|| Saturated Fat| 8 - 10 grams || Carbohydrates| 15 - 20 grams || Fiber | 4 - 5 grams || Sodium | 400 - 500 mg || Sugar | 5 - 7 grams || Iron | 3 - 4 mg || Vitamin A | Varies (some from mint) || Vitamin C | From vegetables and mint || Calcium | 50 - 60 mg |

These values can vary based on specific ingredients used, so this is an estimate. Lamb shanks are renowned for their high protein and iron content, while herbs like mint add antioxidants and flavor without significant calories. For a more precise calculation, consider the specific amounts of olive oil, vegetables, and pesto used, as these can significantly impact fat and calorie content.

1. The zesty mint-orange pesto, made with fresh mint leaves, Italian parsley, orange juice, and garlic, complements the flavors of the braised lamb foreshanks beautifully.
2. For a nutrient-packed twist on the traditional lamb dish, consider serving the braised lamb shanks with a side of nutritious vegetables, to complement the protein-rich lamb and the pesto.
3. This Braised Lamb Shanks with Mint-Orange Pesto recipe, featuring lamb foreshanks, pesto, and a rich sauce, is a perfect addition to any springtime gathering or dinner, providing a delightful fusion of flavors.

Read also: