Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups stock (beef or chicken)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 lamb shanks
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup red wine

Instructions:

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Add onion, celery, carrots, garlic, stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Sear the lamb shanks: Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Brown the shanks on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Deglaze the pan: Remove the pan from heat and pour in the red wine. Return to medium-high heat, scraping up browned bits from the pan bottom. Simmer briefly, then add the wine to the slow cooker.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on high for 6 hours, following your slow cooker’s instructions. Once done, transfer the lamb shanks to a serving dish.
5. Make the sauce: Remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker. Using a blender or stick blender, puree the liquids and solids until smooth.
6. Serve: Pour some sauce over the lamb shanks and serve the rest on the side.