Lamb shanks are good value, and as each one is a portion, serving is a cinch. You can braise the shanks up to two days ahead
Prep:10 mins
Serves 8
2 tbsp olive oil8 lamb shanks1 onion, roughly chopped2 carrots, roughly choppedfew sprigs fresh rosemary3 fresh bay leaves4 garlic cloves, left whole2 tbsp plain flour1 tbsp tomato purée350ml white wine500ml lamb or chicken stock
STEP 1Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Pour the oil in a casserole dish or roasting tray large enough to fit all the shanks. With the pan set over a high heat on the hob, spend a good 10 mins browning the lamb all over.STEP 2Remove the lamb, add the onion and carrot and cook for 10 mins until starting to brown. Stir in the herbs and garlic and cook for a few mins more. Stir in the flour and tomato purée, season well then pour over the wine and stock.STEP 3Return the lamb shanks to the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid or tightly with foil and cook in the oven, undisturbed, for 1½-2 hrs until lamb is tender. Remove the lamb from the sauce and set aside.STEP 4Put pan back on the hob and bubble the sauce down for about 15 mins until rich and glossy. Pass through a sieve into a jug. The lamb and sauce can be stored in the fridge for two days or frozen for one month. To serve, reheat the lamb in the sauce, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
