Fall in Love with Flavor: How to Master Mary Berry’s Lamb Shanks

Welcome to a cozy kitchen adventure inspired by the comforting flavors of Mary Berry lamb shanks. As someone who loves hearty meals, I’m thrilled to share this recipe that combines succulent lamb with a rich, aromatic sauce. This dish is perfect for a weekend dinner, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a quiet night in with family.

Why You’ll Be Glad You Tried This Recipe

Tender and Flavorful: Slow cooking ensures the lamb shanks are tender and infused with rich, robust flavors.

Comforting Meal: Perfect for a cozy evening, offering a warm, satisfying dining experience.

Impressive Dish: Great for special occasions, likely to impress guests with its elegant presentation and depth of flavor.

Nutritious: Offers a good source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals.

Versatile: Pairs well with various side dishes, from mashed potatoes to fresh salads, suiting different tastes and dietary preferences.

How To Make Mary Berry lamb shanks Recipe Overview

In this recipe, we’ll be slow-cooking lamb shanks until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. The lamb is infused with the deep flavors of red wine, rosemary, and redcurrant jelly, creating a sumptuous and savory sauce that’s perfect for autumn and winter meals. Total preparation and cooking time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, which allows every flavor to meld beautifully. This recipe serves about 6 people, making it ideal for gatherings or ensuring some delicious leftovers.

Ingredients

• 6 lamb fore shanks, approximately 250 grams each
• 6 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3 onions, sliced
• 600 milliliters of chicken stock
• 1.5 tablespoons of plain flour
• 400 milliliters of red wine
• 350 grams of baby carrots, halved lengthwise if large
• 1.5 tablespoons of redcurrant jelly
• 1.5 tablespoons of chopped rosemary leaves
• 350 grams of baby turnips, halved lengthwise if large
• 350 grams of parsnips, cut into long strips
• A generous knob of butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). In a large oven-proof pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the Shanks: Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and brown all sides. This should take about 10 minutes. Remove the shanks and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Cook until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring well to combine. Pour in the red wine and chicken stock, and bring to a simmer while stirring. Add the redcurrant jelly, rosemary, carrots, parsnips, and turnips.
5. Cook the Lamb: Return the lamb shanks to the pot. The liquid should cover them at least halfway. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily separates from the bone.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove the shanks and vegetables from the sauce. Place the pot over high heat and reduce the sauce to your desired thickness. Whisk in a knob of butter for a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the shanks with the vegetables and sauce.

Nutritional Value

Each serving approximately contains:

Calories: 600 kcal

Protein: 45 g

Fat: 35 g

Carbohydrates: 20 g

Fiber: 5 g

Sugar: 6 g

Also Try: Mary Berry Chicken and Mushroom Pie Recipe

FAQs

Can I prepare Mary Berry lamb shanks in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the shanks and sautéing the vegetables as described, transfer everything into a slow cooker. Add the sauce ingredients and set the cooker to low. Let it cook for about 8 hours. This slow-cooking method will infuse the lamb with flavors thoroughly and ensure the meat is exceptionally tender.

How can I ensure the lamb shanks are tender?

Tenderness in lamb shanks comes from slow cooking at a low temperature. Keep your oven set at 160°C (320°F) and allow the shanks to cook slowly, covered, for about 2 hours. This breaks down the connective tissue in the meat, making it soft and easy to pull apart with a fork.

What can I serve with these lamb shanks?

These rich and savory lamb shanks pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, which help absorb the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, a side of crusty bread is perfect for dipping. Alternatively, a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette can add a fresh contrast to the dish.

Which cooking method is best for the shanks?

Slow cooking is the best method for lamb shanks. This method allows the tough fibers in the meat to break down over time, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. You can slow cook them in an oven or use a slow cooker. Both ways ensure the shanks are cooked gently and thoroughly. Just make sure to keep the temperature low and give them plenty of time to simmer.

Is lamb shank good for you?

Lamb shank is quite nutritious. It’s rich in protein, which helps build and repair tissues. Lamb also provides important vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These support blood health and energy levels. However, lamb shank can be high in fat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Pairing it with healthy sides like vegetables can make for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

This Mary Berry inspired lamb shanks recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a warm, inviting meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether for a special occasion or a satisfying family dinner, these lamb shanks are sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!