Best 11 Braised Lamb Shanks With Prunes Recipes

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Braised lamb shanks with prunes is a classic dish that combines the rich flavor of lamb with the sweetness of prunes. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The lamb shanks are braised in a flavorful liquid, typically made with red wine, chicken broth, and herbs, until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. The prunes add a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish, and they help to balance out the richness of the lamb. Served over mashed potatoes or rice, braised lamb shanks with prunes is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

BRAISED LAMB WITH RED WINE AND PRUNES



Braised Lamb With Red Wine and Prunes image

Though far less glorified than rib chops or legs, lamb shoulder is explosively delicious and juicy - also, cheap. Like the shoulders of pigs and cows, it is a hardworking muscle rippled with intramuscular fat, which makes it ideal for stewing or braising. But the shoulder's not that hardworking, which keeps it tender enough to be subjected to the shorter blasts of heat typically reserved for more elegant cuts. Here, it's braised in a flavorful mixture of prunes, red wine and spices until tender.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     brunch, dinner, easy, lunch, main course

Time 2h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds lamb shoulder
1 cup pitted prunes
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Salt and pepper
1 chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup stock or water

Steps:

  • Cut lamb into 2-inch cubes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and brown in a large skillet over medium-high heat; remove.
  • Add onion, garlic, prunes, ginger, cinnamon, salt and pepper; cook until fragrant. Add wine, stock or water and browned lamb. When the liquid boils, lower heat to a simmer, cover and cook until tender, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Garnish: Parsley.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 537, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 24 grams, Fat 33 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 27 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 652 milligrams, Sugar 13 grams

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Braised Lamb Shanks image

Anne Burrell's Braised Lamb Shanks recipe for Food Network is a hearty fan favorite.

Provided by Anne Burrell

Categories     main-dish

Time 5h50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
Extra-virgin olive oil
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 lamb shanks (each about 1 1/4 pounds; 1 shank is a portion)
4 cloves garlic
Kosher salt
1 (12-ounce) can tomato paste
1 large Spanish onion or 2 small yellow onions, cut into 1-inch dice
2 cups hearty red wine
2 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary leaves
10 to 12 thyme branches tied together in a bundle
3 to 4 cups water
4 bay leaves
Gremolata, recipe follows
1 orange, zested
1 lemon, zested
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons freshly grated horseradish

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Coat a large Dutch oven generously with olive oil and bring to a high heat. Season the shanks generously with salt and add them to the pan. Brown well on all sides. This is an incredibly important step; do not rush it.
  • Meanwhile, puree the onions, carrots, celery and garlic in a food processor until it becomes a coarse paste. Remove and set aside.
  • Remove the shanks from the pan to a sheet tray. Discard the excess fat from the pan. Add a little more oil to coat the bottom of the pan and add the pureed veggies. Season with salt, to taste. Saute the veggies until they are very brown and aromatic, about 20 minutes. The brown veggies should form a sort of crust on the bottom of the pan, do not let this burn; it is where a lot of the flavor is! Don't rush this step either, since this is where you will develop the brown color and flavor.
  • Add the tomato paste and brown for 5 minutes. Stir in the wine, chopped rosemary and thyme bundle. Stir frequently and cook until the wine has reduced by about half.
  • Add the shanks back to the pot and pour in 3 to 4 cups of water. The shanks should be submersed, if they are not, add more water. Add the bay leaves to the pan, cover and put in the preheated oven. The cooking time will be about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Turn the shanks over about halfway through the cooking time. Check the shanks every 45 minutes or so. If the liquid has reduced too much add more water. Defat as you go.
  • Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking time for maximum browning. When the shanks are done the meat should be incredibly tender and flavorful. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with Gremolata. Serve with Hard Polenta Cakes, if desired,
  • Call yourself a superstar!!!
  • In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and set aside until ready to use.

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Braised Lamb Shanks image

Provided by Food Network

Time 4h10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons olive oil
4 small meaty lamb shanks (about 4 1/2 pounds), trimmed of fat
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
4 carrots, peeled and finely diced
3 small sprigs fresh rosemary
2 imported bay leaves
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups big-bodied young red wine
2 medium turnips (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh orange zest
1 small garlic clove, minced

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid over moderate heat until hot but not smoking. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper and cook, in batches if necessary, turning with tongs, until well browned, about 10 minutes each batch. Remove the lamb shanks with tongs to a plate and set aside.
  • Stir the onions, carrots, rosemary, bay leaves, and garlic into the dutch oven and cook, stirring, until the onions are very soft, about 5 minutes. Add 2 1/2 cups of the wine and deglaze the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning.
  • Return the lamb shanks to the pot and braise the mixture, tightly covered, in the oven for 1 hour. Uncover and braise for 2 more hours, turning the shanks every 30 minutes. Stir in the turnips and the remaining 1/2 cup of the wine, and continue to braise, in the oven for 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • While the lamb shanks are braising, make the gremolata: chop together the rosemary, orange zest, and garlic. Place each lamb shank on a serving plate, top with the vegetables, sprinkle with gremolata and serve immediately.

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH PRUNES



Braised Lamb Shanks with Prunes image

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 1-pound lamb shanks
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large onion, halved, sliced
1 large carrot, peeled, sliced
1 cup pitted prunes (about 6 ounces)
1 large head of garlic, halved crosswise
1/4 teaspoon cardamom seeds from about 5 crushed green cardamom pods
2 cups beef broth
1 cup low-salt chicken broth

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper. Heat 4 tablespoons oil in large wide ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Add lamb in single layer; cook until brown on all sides, about 10 minutes total. Transfer lamb to rimmed baking sheet. Add 2 tablespoons oil to pot. Add onion and carrot and sauté until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add prunes, garlic, and cardamom and stir 2 minutes. Add both broths and bring to boil. Return lamb to pot, cover, and transfer to oven.
  • Braise lamb until tender, about 1 3/4 hours. Transfer lamb to rimmed baking sheet. Tilt pan and spoon off fat. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Return lamb to pot, turning to coat. DO AHEAD: Lamb can be made 2 days ahead. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, cover, and keep chilled. Rewarm over medium heat before continuing. Place lamb shanks on plates. Spoon sauce over.

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH GARLIC AND VERMOUTH



Braised Lamb Shanks With Garlic and Vermouth image

The inspiration for this recipe comes from Richard Olney's Simple French Food, where the shanks and garlic are cooked with nothing more than a bit of water. This one has dry white vermouth and a few bay leaves to give the braising liquid an herbaceous flavor that permeates the meat and intensifies the dish. Lamb has a lot of fat, so be sure to take the time to thoroughly skim the sauce before serving. Better yet, braise the shanks a day or two before you plan to serve them (see Make-Ahead Tips, below).

Provided by StevenHB

Categories     Lamb/Sheep

Time 3h45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 lamb shanks (3/4 to 1 lb. each)
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup dry white vermouth
2 bay leaves
2 heads garlic, separated into cloves (unpeeled)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, more as needed
1/4 cup chopped fresh herb, preferably a mix of mint and parsley (chervil and chives are also good)

Steps:

  • Tip: After the long braise, the garlic cloves are tender enough to push through a sieve, creating a flavorful purée that thickens the pan sauce. Don't forget to scrape the pulp clinging to the bottom of the strainer.
  • Vya and Noilly Pratt are preferred brands of vermouth.
  • Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F If necessary, trim any excess fat from the lamb shanks, but don't trim away the thin membrane that holds the meat to the bone. Season the shanks all over with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven or other heavy braising pot large enough to accommodate the lamb shanks in a snug single layer. When the oil is shimmering, add half the shanks and brown them on all sides, 12 to 15 minute total. Set the browned shanks on a platter. Repeat with the remaining shanks. When all the shanks are browned, pour off and discard the fat from the pan.
  • Set the pan over medium-high heat and add the vermouth. As it boils, stir with a wooden spoon to dissolve any drippings. Return the shanks to the pan, arranging them as best you can so they fit snugly. Tuck the bay leaves in between the shanks and scatter the garlic over them. Cover and braise in the oven, turning the shanks every 45 min., until fork-tender, 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
  • Transfer the shanks to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Tilt the braising pot to pool the juices at one end and skim off and discard any surface fat. Pour what remains in the pot into a medium-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Discard the bay leaves. With a rubber spatula, scrape over and press down on the garlic cloves so the pulp goes through but not the skins; be sure to scrape the pulp clinging to the bottom of the strainer into the sauce. Whisk in the lemon juice. Taste and add salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if needed. To serve, pour the sauce over the shanks and shower them with the chopped herbs and a little freshly ground pepper.
  • Make Ahead Tips.
  • The dish can be made up to three days ahead. After braising, transfer the shanks to a baking dish. Strain and season the sauce as directed in the recipe. Pour a little strained sauce over the shanks to moisten them. Refrigerate the shanks and the sauce separately, both tightly covered. Before serving, reheat the chilled sauce, pour it over the shanks in the baking dish, cover the dish with foil, and warm in a 325ºF oven for about 30 minute Finish with the herbs and black pepper, and serve.
  • Serving Suggestions.
  • Fill out the meal with a potato gratin and a refreshing heap of green beans.

LAMB SHANKS IN RED WINE WITH PRUNES



Lamb Shanks in Red Wine With Prunes image

Earthy. Plummy. Balanced with acidity.These were my descriptions of the South African cabernet sauvignon wines we tasted. They reminded me of just how good cabernet can be when the winemaker does not aim for a skyscraper when 10 stories will do. I wanted to enjoy the wines with lamb, and hearty shanks braised with fruit and spice did the trick. The acid balance in many of the wines gracefully tamed the richness of the sauce. You should figure one shank a person, so try to buy smallish ones, about a pound each. And serve the dish with couscous.

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     dinner, one pot, main course

Time 2h15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup pitted prunes
1 cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 lamb shanks, about 1 pound each, fat well trimmed
1 cup finely chopped onion
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, cored and slivered
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt
freshly ground black pepper
4 sprigs thyme
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
Cayenne to taste
Cooked couscous for serving

Steps:

  • Place prunes in a bowl, add wine and set aside. Heat oil in a 6-quart casserole or sauté pan. Add lamb and brown on all sides over medium heat. Remove. Stir in onion and garlic. Sauté on low until soft. Stir in bell pepper, cumin and paprika. Sauté a few minutes. Return lamb to pan, season with salt and pepper. Add thyme, prunes and wine. Cover and simmer 1 hour.
  • Turn shanks in pan and baste. Add zest and cayenne. Cover and cook on low about 45 minutes more, until lamb is tender when pierced with a fork. Check seasoning. Serve with couscous.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1015, UnsaturatedFat 29 grams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fat 58 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 73 grams, SaturatedFat 25 grams, Sodium 1495 milligrams, Sugar 20 grams

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Braised Lamb Shanks image

Succulent braised lamb shanks slow cooked in a red wine, tomato, and fresh basil sauce. Serve with mushroom risotto and grilled zucchini.

Provided by Mrs Savage

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Lamb     Shanks

Time 3h20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 large white onions, chopped
4 lamb shanks
2 cups dry red wine
1 cup balsamic vinegar
⅓ cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, pressed
2 lemons, quartered
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 bunch fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place the onions in a layer in the bottom of a Dutch oven or medium roasting pan with a lid. Arrange the lamb shanks on top of the onions. Pour the wine, balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the lamb. Place a clove of pressed garlic next to each shank, and a quarter of a lemon on each side. Pour the tomatoes over everything, then season with salt, pepper and basil.
  • Cover and place in the preheated oven. Cook for 3 hours. Use juices from the pan to make a nice flavorful gravy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 572.4 calories, Carbohydrate 34.4 g, Cholesterol 86.3 mg, Fat 25.2 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 32.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 1851.3 mg, Sugar 17.9 g

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Braised Lamb Shanks image

From El Sobrante, California, Billie Moss says of this satisfying one-pot meal, "The meat becomes so tender and savory after simmering with the vegetables and herbs."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 lamb shanks (about 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 beef bouillon cubes
1/4 cup boiling water
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, brown lamb in oil; remove and set aside. Add the onion and garlic; saute until tender. Stir in flour; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add bouillon and water; stir to dissolve. , Return lamb to pan. Add remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours or until meat is tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 599 calories, Fat 34g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 159mg cholesterol, Sodium 1568mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 47g protein.

SLOW-COOKED LAMB WITH PRUNES AND DRIED APRICOTS



Slow-Cooked Lamb with Prunes and Dried Apricots image

This hearty dish features Middle Eastern flavors, including sumac, which has a tangy taste.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Lamb Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 lamb shanks (about 3/4 pound each shank)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups unsalted chicken stock, preferably homemade
2 tablespoons ground sumac (optional)
1 onion, cut into 1/8-inch slices
3 cups apricot nectar
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
3 whole dried allspice berries
2 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 sprigs fresh cilantro
2 sprigs fresh tarragon
2 sprigs fresh mint
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 cup dried apricots
1 cup prunes
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Citrus-Infused Israeli Couscous with Mint

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 250 degrees. In 7-quart flameproof casserole or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat vegetable oil until hot but not smoking. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over lamb shanks. Working in batches if necessary to keep them from touching during the initial searing, add shanks to pan (they should sizzle the moment they hit the pan). Cook lamb shanks until well browned on all sides, 10 to 15 minutes each side. Set browned lamb aside in a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the sumac, and stir to combine; set the mixture aside.
  • Add onion to the casserole, and cook over medium heat until softened and golden, 5 to 10 minutes. Add reserved stock mixture, apricot nectar, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice, parsley, cilantro, tarragon, mint, and paprika; stir to combine.
  • Return the reserved browned lamb shanks to the casserole. Place over medium-high heat, and bring the liquid in the casserole to a boil. Cover the pan, and transfer the casserole to the oven. Cook the mixture until the meat is tender, about 2 hours. Check the casserole in the oven occasionally to ensure a gentle simmer of the sauce, adjusting the heat of the oven or the height of the oven rack as necessary. The actual cooking time will vary depending on the size of the lamb shanks you started with. The meat should be very tender but should not fall off the bone, yet. Add the dried apricots, prunes, and chopped red bell pepper to the casserole, and continue to cook in the oven until the fruit has softened, about 1/2 hour more.
  • Remove the cooked lamb shanks, apricots, prunes, and bell pepper from the casserole, and place them in the bowl with the lamb. Cover them with aluminum foil to keep warm, and set aside.
  • Place the casserole over medium heat, and simmer until the liquid is thickened and reduced, about 15 minutes. Return the reserved lamb shanks, apricots, prunes, and bell pepper to the casserole just long enough to heat them through again, and stir them lightly to coat them with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Serve lamb shanks and sauce with couscous with mint and lemon.

LAMB SHANKS IN HONEYED PRUNE SAUCE



Lamb Shanks in Honeyed Prune Sauce image

A delicious meal for two, worth saving for a special occasion. The long cooking time allows you to set the scene ie.light the candles and open the bottle of Rioja. The sauce is quite rich and needs only a simple accompaniment such as couscous or plain mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.

Provided by Yorkshire Pud

Categories     Lamb/Sheep

Time 2h50m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 lamb shanks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 lemon, juice and zest of
1 tablespoon olive oil
14 prunes, eg.Whitworth's Ready to Eat
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons cornflour (optional)
toasted almonds (to garnish) or chopped coriander (to garnish)

Steps:

  • In a large dish combine 2 tbs olive oil,onion,garlic,spices,lemon juice and zest.
  • Add lamb shanks.Coat with marinade and cover.Leave 2-3 hours in fridge(longer if time permits)stirring occasionally and turning the lamb.
  • Heat 1 tbs olive oil in large frying pan.Lift lamb shanks out of marinade and into frying pan.Brown lamb well on all sides.
  • Remove lamb from pan and place in a large casserole dish.
  • Add marinade ingredients to pan with 100mls/4 fluid ozs water and heat gently for 3-4 minutes.
  • Remove from heat.Add honey and prunes. Stir gently to incorporate,without breaking up the prunes.
  • Pour this heated mixture over the lamb shanks.Cover with lid or foil.
  • Cook in preheated oven 160 deg C,325 deg F,gas mark 3 for 2 1/2 hours.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce,blend cornflour with a little cold water in a cup.Remove casserole from oven after two hours,stir a little of the sauce into the cornflour and water,mix well then stir back into the sauce in the casserole. Return casserole to oven for remaining half hour.
  • Serve garnished with toasted almonds and/or chopped coriander.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1064, Fat 54.8, SaturatedFat 16.9, Cholesterol 242.1, Sodium 183.8, Carbohydrate 71.8, Fiber 7, Sugar 46.5, Protein 74.2

BASIC BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Basic Braised Lamb Shanks image

A friend shared this recipe with me many years ago. My son-in-law loves these lamb shanks as part of a hearty meal with baked potatoes, a hot vegetable and fresh fruit salad. Of course, I include mint jelly on the side. -Jeanne McNamara, Camillus, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h40m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 lamb shanks (1 pound each)
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons prepared mustard

Steps:

  • Place lamb in a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Combine the broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and mustard; pour over meat. Cover and bake at 325° for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 451 calories, Fat 21g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 159mg cholesterol, Sodium 2419mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 48g protein.

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality lamb shanks for the best flavor and texture.
  • Brown the lamb shanks well before braising to develop a rich color and flavor.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for braising to ensure even cooking.
  • Add plenty of aromatic vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, to the braising liquid for extra flavor.
  • Use a good quality red wine for braising to add depth of flavor.
  • Simmer the lamb shanks for at least 2 hours, or until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
  • Serve the lamb shanks with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish.

Conclusion:

Braised lamb shanks with prunes is a classic dish that is both delicious and comforting. By following these tips, you can create a perfect braised lamb shank dish that will impress your family and friends. So, next time you're looking for a special meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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