Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion – festive perfection

Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion – Festive Perfection

When it comes to holiday meals, braised lamb shanks are a showstopper. The rich, succulent meat and aromatic flavors come together in a dish that’s perfect for festive celebrations, like Christmas dinner. Braised to tender perfection and infused with an array of herbs and spices, Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion is a comforting, indulgent meal that brings warmth and elegance to your holiday table.

This recipe combines the traditional richness of lamb with a sophisticated herb infusion, making it an ideal centerpiece for a memorable Christmas feast. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or having a cozy dinner with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you can prepare this festive, flavorful lamb dish.

Why Choose Braised Lamb Shanks for Christmas?

Lamb is often associated with festive and celebratory meals, and for good reason. It’s a deliciously rich and flavorful meat that holds up beautifully to long cooking methods like braising. Braised lamb shanks, in particular, offer the perfect balance of tenderness and depth of flavor, making them an excellent choice for a holiday dinner.

Here are a few reasons why braised lamb shanks are a perfect choice for your Christmas table:

Tender and Juicy: Braising slowly breaks down the tough muscle fibers in the lamb shanks, leaving you with melt-in-your-mouth, tender meat that falls off the bone.
Sophisticated Yet Easy: Despite the luxurious feel of braised lamb, the cooking method is surprisingly easy. With a bit of prep and patience, you can make a dish that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated without a lot of fuss.
Ideal for Holiday Feasts: Braised lamb shanks can easily be scaled up for large groups, making them a perfect choice for a family holiday meal. The dish also pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes, making it versatile for your holiday spread.

Ingredients for Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion

To prepare your braised lamb shanks, you’ll need a few quality ingredients to ensure that the flavors shine. Here’s what you’ll need for the recipe:

4 lamb shanks (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cups red wine (a full-bodied variety like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
2 cups lamb or beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Zest of one orange (optional, for a hint of citrus)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion

Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Shanks

Before you begin cooking, it’s essential to season the lamb shanks well. Start by patting the lamb dry with paper towels. This will help the meat brown more evenly. Then, generously season the lamb with salt and pepper on all sides.

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (such as a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the lamb shanks to the pot. Brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes until they develop a rich golden-brown crust. Remove the shanks from the pot and set them aside.

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