Armenian Lamb Shanks
Armenian Lamb Shanks offer tender, flavorful meat simmered in a rich tomato and spice sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners and those who enjoy bold, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim shanks of excess fat.
- Place the lamb shanks in an 8-quart casserole.
- Add sliced onions, chopped tomatoes, crushed dried oregano, salt, ground pepper, allspice, and ground nutmeg to the casserole.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, covered, until the lamb is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Partially uncover the pot for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with finely chopped yellow onion and parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, marinate the lamb shanks overnight with spices and a touch of olive oil. If you're short on time, consider using pre-chopped vegetables. For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine or replace some tomatoes with tomato paste. You can also substitute lamb with beef shanks for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lamb shanks on a bed of couscous or mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce. Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Mihshe Malfuf(Stuffed Cabbage Leaves) for a delightful Armenian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shanks in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Cover and warm gently until heated through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Armenian Lamb Shanks contains roughly 1218 calories, with 41g protein, 311g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (651% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 593mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in lamb shanks for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in lamb shanks are ideal as they add more flavor to the dish and help keep the meat tender during cooking. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time slightly if they are larger than average.
What can I substitute for fresh tomatoes?
If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes as a substitute. Just adjust the quantity to about 28 ounces of canned tomatoes to maintain the sauce consistency.
Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lamb shanks a day in advance and refrigerate them after cooking. The flavors will deepen overnight. Just reheat gently before serving for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).