Best 11 Braised Lamb Shanks With Swiss Chard Recipes

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Braised lamb shanks are a classic dish that is both hearty and flavorful. The lamb shanks are braised in a flavorful liquid, typically made with red wine, broth, and vegetables, until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that is often used in Italian cuisine. It has a slightly bitter taste that pairs well with the rich flavor of the lamb shanks. When cooked together, the lamb shanks and swiss chard create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

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 WITH SWISS CHARD



Braised Lamb Shanks with Swiss Chard image

Provided by Jean Anderson

Categories     Lamb     Vegetable     High Fiber     Dinner     Meat     Lamb Shank     Winter     Chard     Party     Bulgur     Bon Appétit     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
1 3/4 teaspoons ground cardamom, divided
6 1- to 1 1/4-pound lamb shanks
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
12 green onions, chopped, divided
6 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
1 3/4 cups (14 ounces) beef broth
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled
Large pinch of ground cloves
1 to 1 1/4 pounds Swiss chard (about 2 bunches)
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 5.25-ounce packages bulgur (about 2 cups), prepared according to package directions

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Whisk flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in pie dish to blend. Working with 1 lamb shank at a time, coat shanks in seasoned flour. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 lamb shanks. Sauté until brown, turning occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer lamb to large roasting pan. Repeat with remaining 3 lamb shanks.
  • Add half of green onions to same skillet. Reduce heat to low; stir 2 minutes. Add garlic; stir 30 seconds. Add tomatoes with juice, broth, raisins, tomato paste, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon cardamom, saffron, and cloves. Increase heat and bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Pour broth mixture over lamb.
  • Cover roasting pan with foil; place in oven. Braise lamb until tender, turning every 30 minutes, about 2 1/2 hours. Transfer lamb to large rimmed baking sheet. Set pan aside.
  • Meanwhile, cut center rib (including stem portion) from each chard leaf. Cut chard ribs crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide pieces. Stack several leaf halves at a time and cut crosswise into 1-inch-wide strips.
  • Tilt roasting pan and spoon off all fat from top of sauce that pools at lower end. Set roasting pan over 2 burners. Add chard ribs and remaining green onions and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Return lamb to roasting pan. Cover and return to oven. Braise until chard ribs are tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover; mix chard leaves into pan juices. Return pan to oven and roast uncovered until chard softens, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer lamb to rimmed platter. Season chard mixture in pan to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon chard mixture over lamb. Sprinkle with parsley; serve with bulgur.

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

SLOW-BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Slow-Braised Lamb Shanks image

Provided by Mark Bittman

Time 2h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 lamb shanks, about 1 pound each
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly groundblack pepper
1/2 cup good white wine or stock

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, brown shanks well in oil; this will take as long as half an hour (you can cover the pan to avoid spattering). Sprinkle with salt and pepper as they cook.
  • Lower the heat, pour off the excess fat, add the wine or stock. Simmer over low heat for 1½ to 2 hours, covered, turning and adding water, about ¼ cup at a time, as necessary, until the meat is falling of the bone.
  • Cool. Take meat off the bone and reserve the liquid. When the liquid is cool, skim the fat and reserve the juice. Use meat and juice in the following recipes: Tomato Sauce With Lamb and Pasta; Indian Lamb Curry With Basmati Rice; Chinese Braised Lamb Shanks.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 307, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 0 grams, Fat 21 grams, Protein 23 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 406 milligrams, Sugar 0 grams

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.

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS



Braised lamb shanks image

Lamb shanks are good value, and as each one is a portion, serving is a cinch. You can braise the shanks up to two days ahead

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Main course

Time 2h40m

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tbsp olive oil
8 lamb shanks
1 onion, roughly chopped
2 carrots, roughly chopped
few sprigs fresh rosemary
3 fresh bay leaves
4 garlic cloves, left whole
2 tbsp plain flour
1 tbsp tomato purée
350ml white wine
500ml lamb or chicken stock

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Pour the oil in a casserole dish or roasting tray large enough to fit all the shanks. With the pan set over a high heat on the hob, spend a good 10 mins browning the lamb all over.
  • Remove the lamb, add the onion and carrot and cook for 10 mins until starting to brown. Stir in the herbs and garlic and cook for a few mins more. Stir in the flour and tomato purée, season well then pour over the wine and stock.
  • Return the lamb shanks to the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid or tightly with foil and cook in the oven, undisturbed, for 1½-2 hrs until lamb is tender. Remove the lamb from the sauce and set aside.
  • Put pan back on the hob and bubble the sauce down for about 15 mins until rich and glossy. Pass through a sieve into a jug. The lamb and sauce can be stored in the fridge for two days or frozen for one month. To serve, reheat the lamb in the sauce, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295 calories, Fat 18 grams fat, SaturatedFat 8 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 5 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 2 grams sugar, Protein 25 grams protein, Sodium 0.41 milligram of sodium

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



Braised Lamb Shanks image

Provided by Nancy Harmon Jenkins

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 3h20m

Yield Eight servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 lamb shanks (about 10 pounds), with 2 inches of bone cut off at the foot end by your butcher
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup finely diced carrots
4 shallots, finely diced
12 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1 1/2 cups water
5 leafy sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons chopped celery leaves
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
12 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
Grated zest of 1 small lemon

Steps:

  • Trim the fat off the lamb shanks, leaving only a thin layer. Salt and pepper them.
  • Select a pan with a tight-fitting lid that is large enough for the shanks to rest side by side. Without adding any oil or water, warm the pan over low heat, place the shanks inside and brown them on all sides, allowing about 15 minutes for each side. This will take about 1 hour.
  • When the shanks are browned, remove them from the pan. Add the diced carrot and shallots and the garlic cloves to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Deglaze the pan by adding 1/2 cup of water and scraping the bottom with a spoon. Add another cup of water, along with the thyme sprigs and celery leaves, and return the shanks to the pan. Lower the heat so that the liquid is barely simmering and cover the pan tightly to prevent steam from escaping. Braise the shanks for 2 hours.
  • Remove the shanks from the pan and place them in a warm oven while you prepare the sauce. To make the sauce, puree the cooking juices, vegetables and garlic cloves in a food processor. Put this mixture into another pan, warm over low heat and add a generous amount of black pepper. Thin the sauce with water if necessary; it should be slightly viscous but still capable of being poured in an even stream.
  • Mix the gremolata ingredients together and set aside. Remove the meat from the bones and arrange it on a warm platter or individual plates. Pour the sauce over and around the meat and sprinkle liberally with the gremolata.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 992, UnsaturatedFat 29 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 64 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 89 grams, SaturatedFat 30 grams, Sodium 1553 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH WINTER SQUASH AND RED CHARD



Braised Lamb Shanks With Winter Squash and Red Chard image

I've only made this once and it was amazing!!! I found it on the cover of Bon Appetit in October of 2000. Really good hearty, homey meal for the cold months. Not too difficult to prepare either.

Provided by Miss Erin C.

Categories     Lamb/Sheep

Time 3h15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 3/4 lbs lamb shanks
2 tablespoons oil
4 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 cup chopped carrot
1 cup chopped parsnip
4 sprigs thyme
2 whole garlic heads, unpeeled, horizontally cut in half
1 cup dry red wine
5 cups chicken stock or 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 large orange, peel and pith removed, quartered
2 whole cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
1 3/4 lbs butternut squash, quartered lenthwise, seeded
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 medium fresh fennel bulb
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
2 bunches red swiss chard
2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375F degrees.
  • Sprinkle lamb on all sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat oil in heavy large pot over high heat.
  • Add lamb, cook until brown turning occasionally; about 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to plate.
  • Add 1 Tbls butter to dripping in pot.
  • Add onions, carrots, parsnips, thyme and garlic.
  • Sauté until vegetables soften and begin to brown.
  • Add wine, boil until reduced almost to a glaze; about 4 minutes.
  • Return lamb to pot, arrange in single layer.
  • Add stock, orange, cinnamon and 1 tsp fennel seeds, bring to a boil.
  • Place pot in the oven.
  • Braise lamb uncovered until tender, turning and basting often; about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, rub cut sides of squash with 1 Tbls butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Arrange squash, skin side down on a baking sheet.
  • Roast on sheet alongside lamb until tender; about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Scrape squash from skins into a bowl.
  • Add nutmeg and 2 Tbls of butter.
  • Mash with a fork until almost smooth, season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer lamb to a plate, strain braising liquid into a bowl; spoon off the fat if desired. Return liquid to pot.
  • Add fresh fennel, orange peel and 1 tsp fennel seeds.
  • Simmer until fennel is tender and sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon.
  • Rewarm lamb shanks, covered, over medium heat; about 15 minutes.
  • Rewarm squash in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often; about 10 minutes.
  • While the lamb and squash heat, cut out the center stem from the chard leaves, discard.
  • Coarsely tear the leaves.
  • Melt butter in a heavy skillet over high heat.
  • Add chard and toss until it wilts; about 4 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Divide chard and squash among 4 plates.
  • Arrange the lamb atop the vegetables, spoon sauce with fennel over the top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1801.7, Fat 95.6, SaturatedFat 40.4, Cholesterol 539.3, Sodium 1003, Carbohydrate 65.6, Fiber 11.3, Sugar 19.7, Protein 155.6

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.

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH WINTER SQUASH AND RED CHARD



Braised Lamb Shanks with Winter Squash and Red Chard image

Provided by Cory Schreiber

Categories     Lamb     Vegetable     Braise     Dinner     Meat     Lamb Shank     Fennel     Squash     Butternut Squash     Fall     Winter     Chard     Bon Appétit     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 3/4- to 1-pound lamb shanks
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
1 1/2cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped parsnips
4 fresh large thyme sprigs
2 whole garlic heads, unpeeled, cut horizontally in half
1 cup dry red wine
5 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
1 large orange, peel and pith cut away, orange quartered
2 whole cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed
1 1 3/4-pound butternut squash, quartered lengthwise, seeded
1/2teaspoon (scant) ground nutmeg
1 fresh medium fennel bulb, trimmed, sliced (about 2 cups)
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
2 bunches red Swiss chard
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Sprinkle lamb on all sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in heavy large pot over high heat. Add lamb; cook until brown, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes. Transfer to plate. Add 1 tablespoon butter to drippings in pot. Add onion, carrots, parsnips, thyme and garlic. Sauté until vegetables soften and begin to brown, about 8 minutes. Add wine; boil until reduced almost to glaze, about 4 minutes. Return lamb to pot, arranging in single layer. Add stock, orange, cinnamon and 1 teaspoon fennel seeds; bring to boil. Place pot in oven. Braise lamb uncovered until tender, turning and basting often, about 2 hours 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, rub cut sides of squash with 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange squash, skin side down, on baking sheet. Roast on sheet alongside lamb until tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Scrape squash from skins into bowl; add nutmeg and 2 tablespoons butter. Mash with fork until almost smooth; season with salt and pepper. Transfer lamb to plate. Strain braising liquid into bowl; spoon off fat, if desired. Return liquid to pot. Add fresh fennel, orange peel and 1 teaspoon fennel seeds. Simmer until fennel is tender and sauce is thick enough to coat spoon, about 15 minutes. Return lamb to sauce.
  • Rewarm lamb shanks, covered, over medium-low heat, about 15 minutes. Rewarm squash in saucepan over low heat, stirring often, about 10 minutes.
  • Chard and final preparation:
  • While lamb and squash heat, cut out center stem from chard leaves; discard stems. Coarsely tear leaves. Melt butter in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add chard and toss until chard wilts, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Divide squash and chard among 4 plates. Arrange lamb atop vegetables; spoon sauce with fennel over.

Tips:

  • To save time, use pre-cut lamb shanks.
  • If you don't have a Dutch oven, you can use a large pot with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Brown the lamb shanks in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pot.
  • Use a good quality red wine for the braising liquid. A full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well.
  • Add vegetables to the pot along with the lamb shanks for a more flavorful dish.
  • 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, rice, or pasta.

Conclusion:

Braised lamb shanks are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. The lamb shanks are braised in a flavorful liquid until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve them with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

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