Lamb Shanks Apricots

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Lamb Shanks with Apricots, a comforting braised dish that blends tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb with the sweetness of dried apricots and warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and paprika. Perfectly balanced with a savory base of carrots, onions, and tomatoes, this slow-cooked masterpiece is simmered to perfection in a fragrant broth enhanced by hints of honey and thyme. Whether served over fluffy couscous, creamy mashed potatoes, or steamed rice, this dish is a show-stopping centerpiece for any dinner table. With its fragrant spices, succulent meat, and touch of sweetness, Lamb Shanks with Apricots is the epitome of hearty, flavor-packed comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:170 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 lamb shanks
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cups chicken or beef stock
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper on all sides, then dust them lightly with flour.

Step 2

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the shanks and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and carrots, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and paprika, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken or beef stock to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried apricots, honey, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.

Step 6

Return the lamb shanks to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C). Let it braise for 2 to 2.5 hours, turning the shanks halfway through cooking, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

Step 8

Once done, carefully remove the lamb shanks from the pot and strain the sauce if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 9

Serve the lamb shanks over a bed of couscous, mashed potatoes, or rice. Spoon the sauce with apricots over the top and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3122.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1968.5

Total Fat 89.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 420mg	0%
Sodium 9210.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 164.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.2g	0%
Total Sugars 96.8g
Protein 132.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 548.1mg	0%
Iron 24.4mg	0%
Potassium 4592.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.3%

Protein: 26.6%

Carbs: 33.1%