Lamb Shanks En Daube

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich red wine and orange peel sauce, complemented by vegetables and cherry tomatoes, perfect for hearty, sophisticated dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 4 lamb shanks
  • 1 cup beef or chicken stock
  • 3/4 cup dry red wine
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 strips orange peel
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Saute chopped onion and carrot until limp. Push to sides of the pan.
  3. Add lamb shanks and brown on all sides.
  4. Stir in beef or chicken stock, dry red wine, salt, thyme, minced garlic, and orange peel.
  5. Cover and cook in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 2 hours or until shanks are tender.
  6. Remove shanks to a platter and keep warm.
  7. Over direct heat, boil down the pan juices until slightly reduced.
  8. Skim off excess fat from the sauce.
  9. Add halved cherry tomatoes and spoon sauce over the shanks.
  10. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the lamb shanks in the wine and herbs overnight. If you don’t have orange peel, a splash of orange juice can add a similar brightness. To save time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen mixed mirepoix. For a twist, try adding olives or capers to the sauce for a Mediterranean flair.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lamb shanks over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside a hearty Cracked Wheat Pilaf for a satisfying meal. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes. Pair with a glass of the same dry red wine used in the recipe for a perfect complement.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover lamb shanks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of stock or water to keep the sauce moist. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lamb Shanks En Daube contains roughly 644 calories, with 23g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (204% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (183% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2382mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).

644 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.1g 46% DV
Total Fat 32.2g 41% DV
Carbs 75.4g 27% DV
Fiber 26g 93% DV
Sugar 6.3g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2382.3mg 100% DV
Potassium 3402.8mg 72% DV
Cholesterol 1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 188.1mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 164.9mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 363.2mg 28% DV
Iron 36.7mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the lamb shanks with beef shanks or even pork shanks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as different meats may require varying cooking durations to achieve tenderness.

What can I serve with lamb shanks?

Lamb shanks pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a flavorful Beef Tomato Eggplant Casserole. Roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad can also complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Lamb shanks can be prepared a day in advance. After cooking, let them cool, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop, ensuring they are warmed through before serving.

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).

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