Italian-Style Lamb Shanks
Hearty Italian-style lamb shanks simmered with tomatoes and vegetables, served over pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, heat oil and sliced garlic.
- Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
- Brown the shanks in the oil and garlic; drain excess oil and remove garlic.
- Add stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the shanks.
- Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender.
- Add strips of onion and green pepper to the pot 30 to 45 minutes before the end of cooking.
- Cook pasta separately during the last part of the simmering time.
- Serve the lamb shanks and pour the sauce and vegetables over the cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the lamb shanks overnight with herbs like rosemary or thyme. If you don't have stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes can be a good substitute. You can also use different pasta shapes such as fusilli for a unique twist. Make sure to taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lamb shanks over a bed of your favorite pasta, such as traditional spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a refreshing salad like Marie's Pasta Salad to balance the richness of the lamb.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lamb shanks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist. You can also microwave them in short intervals, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian-Style Lamb Shanks contains roughly 837 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1923mg per serving (84% 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 slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use a slow cooker for this recipe! After browning the lamb shanks, transfer them to the slow cooker with the sauce and vegetables. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
What type of wine pairs well with this dish?
A nice red wine, such as Chianti or a robust Merlot, pairs wonderfully with Italian-style lamb shanks. The acidity in the wine complements the richness of the lamb and the tomato sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lamb shanks ahead of time and let the flavors develop overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. This dish also tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld beautifully.
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).