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Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks with Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 439 reviews

This Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks recipe features tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich tomato and red wine sauce, infused with aromatic spices like oregano, cinnamon, and allspice. Served atop creamy mashed Yukon gold potatoes, this comforting dish embodies hearty Greek flavors and is perfect for a satisfying family meal.

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)
  • 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 ground black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 28 oz jar or can of 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 the Lamb: Season the lamb shanks evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for braising.
  3. Sear the Lamb: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lamb shanks and sear them on all four sides until nicely browned, which locks in juices and flavor.
  4. Set Lamb Aside: Remove the browned lamb shanks from the pot and place them on a plate or bowl temporarily.
  5. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add pearl onions and diced celery. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 5-7 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.
  6. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing its aroma.
  7. Spice it Up: Add dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, ground allspice, cinnamon sticks (or ground cinnamon), kosher salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine the spices evenly with the vegetables.
  8. Deglaze Pot: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift up browned bits. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes to concentrate flavors.
  9. Add Liquids: Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce until fully combined.
  10. Braise the Lamb: Return the lamb shanks to the pot, bringing the liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 5 minutes, then cover with a lid. Transfer the pot to the oven and braise for 1 ½ hours. Uncover and continue cooking for another 30-45 minutes, checking occasionally for tenderness and adding broth as needed to maintain moisture.
  11. Cook Potatoes: With about 30 minutes remaining on the lamb shanks, start boiling water in a large pot and cook peeled Yukon gold potatoes until soft and fork-tender.
  12. Drain and Rice Potatoes: Drain the water and pass the potatoes through a ricer or mash them until smooth. Set aside.
  13. Prepare Potato Cream Base: In the large pot over low heat, melt butter with salt, pepper, whole milk, and cream cheese until fully combined and warmed through. Turn off heat.
  14. Combine Potatoes and Cream: Add the riced potatoes back into the pot and stir together gently. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, butter, or milk to taste. Keep warm covered on the stove.
  15. Plate the Dish: Serve the lamb shanks over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with spoonfuls of the braising liquid and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • A dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, or a Greek red wine works best for braising.
  • If avoiding wine, replace with an equal amount of chicken broth.
  • Instead of mashed potatoes, serve the braised lamb shanks over rice or orzo to vary the dish.
  • For a similar hearty meal, try the Easy Beef Stew in Tomato Sauce (Moshari Kokkinisto).

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

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