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Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks with Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 124 reviews

This Greek-Style Braised Lamb Shanks recipe features tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich tomato and red wine sauce with aromatic herbs and spices. Served over creamy mashed Yukon gold potatoes, this comforting dish offers classic Mediterranean flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect for a hearty family meal or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lamb Shanks:

  • 4 lamb shanks (about 1600g total for 4 shanks)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups pearl onions, peeled
  • 2 celery sticks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, or Greek red wine)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 28 oz jar or can of tomato sauce
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1 inch pieces
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 – 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup plain cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Season the lamb shanks: Generously season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance the flavor before cooking.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for braising the lamb shanks.
  3. Sear the lamb shanks: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When hot, add lamb shanks and sear each side until well browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning locks in flavor.
  4. Remove lamb shanks: Transfer the browned shanks to a plate and set aside, keeping the pot ready for vegetables.
  5. Sauté vegetables: Add pearl onions and diced celery to the pot, cooking over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and beginning to brown.
  6. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  7. Add spices and herbs: Mix in dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, ground allspice, cinnamon sticks, kosher salt, black pepper, and bay leaves until combined.
  8. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping the pot’s bottom to loosen browned bits. Let it reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes to concentrate flavor.
  9. Add liquids: Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Combine everything well to create a rich braising liquid.
  10. Braise the lamb: Return lamb shanks to the pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Cover with a lid and place in the oven. Bake for 1½ hours covered, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes, checking occasionally and adding chicken broth if needed. The lamb should become tender and fall off the bone.
  11. Prepare mashed potatoes: With about 30 minutes left for the lamb, start the mashed potatoes by boiling peeled and chopped Yukon gold potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  12. Drain and rice potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes, then pass them through a ricer or mash until smooth. Set aside in a bowl.
  13. Make potato base: In the empty pot over low heat, melt butter, then add salt, pepper, whole milk, and cream cheese. Stir until fully combined and creamy, then turn off heat.
  14. Combine mashed potatoes: Add the riced potatoes back into the pot and stir thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, butter, or milk as desired. Keep covered and warm.
  15. Serve: Plate a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, top with a braised lamb shank, spoon some braising liquid over, and garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful finish.

Notes

  • A red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, or a Greek red wine complements this recipe perfectly.
  • If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth.
  • Instead of mashed potatoes, consider serving the braised lamb shanks over rice or orzo for a variation.
  • For a similar hearty meal, try the Easy Beef Stew in Tomato Sauce (Moshari Kokkinisto) recipe.

Keywords: Greek lamb shanks, braised lamb, lamb stew, Greek recipes, braised meat, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, Mediterranean lamb, cozy dinner, oven-braised lamb

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/greek-style-braised-lamb-shanks-with-mashed-potatoes-recipe/