Greek Lamb Shanks
Tender Greek lamb shanks simmered in a savory tomato and herb sauce, infused with garlic and wine, perfect for hearty, flavorful meals for two with leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the lamb shanks with salt, pepper, and coarsely ground garlic with parsley.
- Coat the shanks with flour and brown all sides in butter or oil in a frying pan.
- In a casserole dish, mix condensed tomato soup and sherry wine until blended.
- Stir in bay leaf, crushed dried rosemary, crushed dried basil, minced garlic, and sliced onion.
- Add the browned lamb shanks to the casserole and baste thoroughly.
- Cover and cook in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2 hours.
- Turn the shanks and baste after the first hour of cooking.
- Serve with long grain and wild rice, ensuring the meat is very tender and easily removable from the bones.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of honey to the tomato soup mixture. If you don't have sherry, white wine or even chicken broth can be used as a substitute. Make sure to let the lamb shanks rest after cooking for a few minutes before serving to enhance tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lamb shanks over a bed of long grain and wild rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete meal, consider serving with warm pita bread or a crusty baguette to enjoy the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lamb shanks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. You can also add a splash of broth for moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Lamb Shanks contains roughly 1320 calories, with 15g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (159% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 832mg per serving (36% 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 a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes, while lamb shanks are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute with lamb shoulder or even beef shanks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may require more or less time to become tender.
What can I do if I don't have tomato soup?
If you don’t have condensed tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Just add a bit of sugar to balance the acidity, and you may want to simmer the sauce a little longer to thicken it up.
How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce?
To enhance the flavor of the sauce, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also be added for a burst of flavor, making it even more delicious and aromatic.
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).