Lamb shanks are a hearty, flavorful cut of meat that becomes incredibly tender when cooked slowly. Pairing them with creamy mashed potatoes creates a rich, comforting meal perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet dinner at home. The lamb’s deep flavor, enhanced by a slow simmer in beef broth with onions and garlic, contrasts beautifully with the soft, buttery texture of mashed potatoes. This classic combination is elevated with fresh rosemary and can be easily adjusted for different dietary preferences. This recipe brings together savory and creamy elements to create a dish that’s satisfying and luxurious, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients :
- 2 lamb shanks
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Preparation :
Step 1:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Carefully place the lamb shanks into the pot and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring that they are browned evenly. This step locks in the juices and provides a rich base flavor for the dish. Once browned, remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2:
Using the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently, allowing the onions to cook and soften for about 4-5 minutes until they become translucent. The garlic will infuse the onions and oil with a wonderful aroma, forming a flavorful foundation for the broth.
Step 3:
Pour in 2 cups of beef broth into the pot with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the flavors meld together. Once it reaches a simmer, return the seared lamb shanks to the pot. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and let the lamb cook slowly for about 2 hours. This long simmering process will break down the lamb’s tough fibers, making the meat incredibly tender and easy to pull off the bone.
Step 4:
While the lamb is cooking, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Test the potatoes by inserting a fork; they should be soft all the way through. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Step 5:
Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the drained potatoes. Mash them using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. For an even silkier texture, you can add an additional splash of cream or butter, depending on your preference.
Step 6:
Once the lamb shanks are tender and fully cooked, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the lamb shanks over a generous portion of the creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for added fragrance and a beautiful presentation.
Cooking Notes :
- For a lighter version of the mashed potatoes, you can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk. This will reduce the richness without compromising the creamy texture.
- If you prefer a stronger rosemary flavor, consider adding a few sprigs of rosemary to the pot while the lamb is simmering. This will infuse the broth with a more robust herbaceous note.
- You can also use a slow cooker for this recipe. Sear the lamb shanks as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for an even more hands-off approach.
Serving Suggestions :
- Serve the lamb shanks directly over the creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the juices from the lamb to drizzle into the potatoes for extra flavor.
- Complement this dish with a side of roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. Their natural sweetness will balance the savory richness of the lamb and potatoes.
- For a more refreshing contrast, serve the dish alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Tips :
- Make sure to sear the lamb shanks before slow cooking them. This enhances the flavor and ensures a rich, deep color.
- If your mashed potatoes are too thick, you can thin them out with a little extra cream or even some of the cooking broth from the lamb for added flavor.
- For an added touch, you can mix roasted garlic into the mashed potatoes, giving them a more complex flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmering process for the lamb shanks. The long, slow cook is what makes the meat so tender and flavorful.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Nutritional Information :
- Calories: 680 calories per serving (approximate)
- Protein: 35 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
FAQs :
Can I use other cuts of lamb for this recipe?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use lamb shoulder or leg of lamb. However, lamb shanks are ideal for slow cooking as they become incredibly tender over time.
Can I prepare the lamb shanks in advance?
Yes, the lamb can be made a day ahead and gently reheated when ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen overnight.
What other herbs can I use besides rosemary?
Thyme or oregano can be great alternatives if you want to experiment with different flavors. Fresh parsley can also be added as a garnish.
How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gummy?
Make sure not to over-mash the potatoes. Overworking the potatoes releases more starch, which can lead to a gluey texture. Use a potato masher or ricer for the best results.
Conclusion :
Lamb Shank with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is the perfect dish to serve when you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal. The lamb’s rich, savory flavor and tender texture, combined with the buttery smoothness of mashed potatoes, create a winning combination that will impress your family and guests alike. While the preparation may take some time, the end result is well worth the effort. With simple, fresh ingredients and a few key techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction this dish brings to the table!
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Lamb Shank with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients :
- 2 lamb shanks
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
Preparation :
Step 1:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Carefully place the lamb shanks into the pot and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring that they are browned evenly. This step locks in the juices and provides a rich base flavor for the dish. Once browned, remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2:
Using the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently, allowing the onions to cook and soften for about 4-5 minutes until they become translucent. The garlic will infuse the onions and oil with a wonderful aroma, forming a flavorful foundation for the broth.
Step 3:
Pour in 2 cups of beef broth into the pot with the onions and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the flavors meld together. Once it reaches a simmer, return the seared lamb shanks to the pot. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and let the lamb cook slowly for about 2 hours. This long simmering process will break down the lamb’s tough fibers, making the meat incredibly tender and easy to pull off the bone.
Step 4:
While the lamb is cooking, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Test the potatoes by inserting a fork; they should be soft all the way through. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Step 5:
Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the drained potatoes. Mash them using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. For an even silkier texture, you can add an additional splash of cream or butter, depending on your preference.
Step 6:
Once the lamb shanks are tender and fully cooked, season them with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the lamb shanks over a generous portion of the creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for added fragrance and a beautiful presentation.
Notes
Cooking Notes :
- For a lighter version of the mashed potatoes, you can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk. This will reduce the richness without compromising the creamy texture.
- If you prefer a stronger rosemary flavor, consider adding a few sprigs of rosemary to the pot while the lamb is simmering. This will infuse the broth with a more robust herbaceous note.
- You can also use a slow cooker for this recipe. Sear the lamb shanks as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for an even more hands-off approach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 680 calories per serving (approximate)
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Protein: 35 grams