Wine plays a prominent role in the preparation of this dish, enhancing the flavors of the lamb shanks while also adding depth to the sauce. Today, I’m excited to guide you through my favorite recipe for Chocolate and Red Wine-Braised Lamb Shanks. This dish not only brings together the rich flavor of lamb and the richness of chocolate, but it’s also perfect for special occasions or a cozy evening at home.
To start, let’s gather our ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
- 4 lamb shanks
- 1 bottle of red wine (a bold variety like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works great)
- 1 cup of beef or lamb stock
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1-2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) for garnish
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to start cooking. First, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, then brown them in the hot oil for about 5-7 minutes on each side. This step is crucial, as it caramelizes the meat and adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
After browning the shanks, remove them from the pot and set them aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent. At this point, add the tomato paste, ground cumin, and cinnamon. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes to release all those wonderful flavors.
Next, pour in the bottle of red wine, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly. This process will intensify the flavors before we add the lamb shanks back to the mix.
Now, return the browned lamb shanks to the pot and add the stock along with the cocoa powder. The chocolate will provide a subtle richness to the sauce that’s surprisingly complementary to the lamb and red wine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. You want to braise the lamb for about 2 to 3 hours, or until it’s tender and falling off the bone.
Once your lamb shanks are done, serve them with their luscious sauce over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. Don’t forget to garnish with your choice of fresh herbs. I love to pair this dish with a glass of the same red wine used in the braising process for a perfectly harmonious meal.
Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in this Chocolate and Red Wine-Braised Lamb Shanks recipe. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress anyone who joins you at the table!
Chocolate and Red Wine-Braised Lamb Shanks
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks
- 1 cup of beef or lamb stock
- 1 cup of red wine
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the cinnamon and cocoa powder, and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the red wine and beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Return the lamb shanks to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Braise for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
- Once done, remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the lamb shanks garnished with fresh parsley.
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