Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
• Lemon zest (for a bright finishing touch)

How to Make Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature is perfect for slow-cooking the lamb shanks until they’re tender and juicy.

Step 2: Brown the Lamb Shanks

Start by seasoning the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy-bottomed oven-safe pot (like a Dutch oven), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the lamb shanks, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the shanks on all sides, which will take about 8-10 minutes. This step helps to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that adds flavor to the braising liquid.

Once browned, remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. The vegetables will absorb some of the flavors left behind by the lamb, creating a flavorful base for the braising liquid.

Step 4: Create the Braising Liquid

Add 1 cup of red wine to the pot, stirring to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this is all flavor that will make the dish even better.

Next, stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and honey (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to combine for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Braise the Lamb Shanks

Return the browned lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them into the braising liquid. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the shanks—if it doesn’t, you can add a bit more broth or water.

Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the lamb shanks braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and begins to fall off the bone. The slow cooking process will break down the connective tissue, making the lamb shanks incredibly tender and juicy.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Once the lamb shanks are done, remove the pot from the oven and let the meat rest for a few minutes. If you’d like to thicken the braising liquid, you can transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

To serve, place each lamb shank on a platter or individual plates. Spoon the vegetables and braising liquid over the lamb, making sure to include all those rich, flavorful juices. For an extra festive touch, garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chives and a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.

Perfect Side Dishes to Pair with Braised Lamb Shanks

Braised lamb shanks are hearty and flavorful, so they pair wonderfully with sides that complement the richness of the dish. Here are some great options:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect base to soak up all the delicious braising liquid.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts provide a lovely contrast to the tender lamb.
• Crispy Roasted Potatoes: The crispy, golden exterior of roasted potatoes adds texture and balances the tender lamb.
• Minted Peas: The freshness of minted peas provides a refreshing contrast to the savory lamb.
• Buttered Green Beans: A light side like green beans with butter adds some color and freshness to the plate.

Why You Should Make Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks

• Impressive Presentation: Lamb shanks are a stunning centerpiece for any holiday meal. Their rich flavor and beautiful presentation will make your Christmas dinner unforgettable.
• Flavorful and Tender: The slow braising process makes the lamb melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the herb-infused braising liquid adds depth and complexity to the dish.
• A Special Holiday Tradition: Braised lamb shanks are perfect for creating new holiday traditions in your family. The meal is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes, making it the ideal dish for a memorable Christmas celebration.

Conclusion

Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion is the ultimate holiday dish—rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender lamb, savory herbs, and a luxurious braising liquid creates a meal that’s perfect for celebrating with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or simply looking to make the season special, this recipe will leave everyone at the table impressed and satisfied.

So, next Christmas, make sure to add braised lamb shanks to your holiday menu. It’s a dish that captures the essence of the season—flavorful, heartwarming, and meant to be shared with the ones you love.