Mediterranean Diet Braised Lamb Shank

Fall in love with the rich, savory flavors of this Mediterranean Diet Braised Lamb Shank, a dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Slow-cooked to perfection, tender lamb shanks are braised in a fragrant medley of olive oil, garlic, red wine, plump tomatoes, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. With notes of bright lemon zest and the comforting depth of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, this dish is both wholesome and impressive. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it’s served over creamy mashed potatoes, hearty polenta, or nutty farro for a truly satisfying meal. Ready in just over three hours, this recipe balances bold flavors with nutrient-rich ingredients, making it a show-stopping yet heart-healthy choice for slow-cooked comfort food enthusiasts.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces lamb shanks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 2 large carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 2

Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 3

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove them and set aside.

Step 4

Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small dice. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 5

In the same Dutch oven, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes or until softened.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 7

Stir in tomato paste, cooking it with the vegetables for 2 minutes.

Step 8

Pour in the red wine, scrapping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 9

Add the can of diced tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, and the seared lamb shanks back to the pot.

Step 10

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the Dutch oven with a lid, and place it in the preheated oven.

Step 11

Braise in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the lamb shanks are tender and fall off the bone.

Step 12

Remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Discard the bay leaves and herb stems. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 13

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest before serving.

Step 14

Serve the braised lamb shanks with the sauce and vegetables over a bed of your choice, such as mashed potatoes, polenta, or a grain like farro.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2903.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1947.0

Total Fat 101.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.2g
Cholesterol 420mg	0%
Sodium 5173.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 84.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.1g	0%
Total Sugars 34.7g
Protein 127.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 707.6mg	0%
Iron 26.9mg	0%
Potassium 4556.6mg	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: 51.9%

Protein: 29.0%

Carbs: 19.1%