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Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks with Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews

This Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks recipe offers tender, flavorful lamb shanks slowly cooked in a rich tomato and red wine sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Served with creamy mashed Yukon gold potatoes, this comforting dish makes for an impressive yet approachable meal perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lamb Shanks:

  • 4 lamb shanks (about 1600g total for 4 shanks)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ cup pearl onions, peeled
  • 2 celery sticks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, or Greek red wine recommended)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 28 oz jar or can tomato sauce
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 – 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup plain cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Season Lamb Shanks: Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance their flavor before cooking.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the slow braising process.
  3. Sear Lamb Shanks: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the lamb shanks and sear them until well browned on all four sides. This step locks in flavor and adds a delicious crust.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Remove the lamb shanks and set aside. In the same pot, add pearl onions and diced celery. Cook over medium heat, stirring often for 5-7 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.
  5. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to deepen the flavor base.
  6. Add Spices and Herbs: Mix in dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, ground allspice, cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon), kosher salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine all the aromatic spices.
  7. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in red wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Let the wine cook and reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes, concentrating its flavor.
  8. Add Broth and Tomato Sauce: Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce until well combined to create a rich braising liquid.
  9. Braise Lamb Shanks: Return the lamb shanks to the pot and bring the liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Cover with a lid and transfer the pot to the preheated oven.
  10. Slow Cook in Oven: Bake covered for 1 ½ hours, then remove the lid and continue baking 30-45 minutes more, basting occasionally and adding chicken broth if necessary. The lamb is done when tender and falling off the bone.
  11. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: About 30 minutes before the lamb finishes, bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook the peeled and chopped Yukon gold potatoes until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  12. Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes and pass them through a ricer into a bowl. In the empty pot, melt butter over low heat and stir in salt, pepper, whole milk, and cream cheese until smooth and melted. Remove heat.
  13. Combine Potatoes and Dairy: Add the riced potatoes back into the pot and mix thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, butter, or milk as needed for creamy texture. Keep warm.
  14. Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates or shallow bowls, place lamb shanks on top, and ladle over some braising liquid. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Notes

  • Use a dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, or a Greek red wine for authentic flavor. If you prefer no alcohol, substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth.
  • Instead of mashed potatoes, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or orzo pasta for a different texture and style.
  • For a richer sauce, skim off excess fat from the braising liquid if desired.
  • Ensure to check the liquid level during baking; add more chicken broth if the sauce reduces too much before the lamb is tender.
  • If you enjoy this dish, also try the Easy Beef Stew in Tomato Sauce (Moshari Kokkinisto) for another comforting Greek-style meal.

Keywords: Greek lamb shanks, braised lamb shanks, Greek recipe, lamb stew, comfort food, slow-cooked lamb, mashed potatoes, oven-braised lamb

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/greek-style-braised-lamb-shanks-with-mashed-potatoes-recipe-2/