Tender Pomegranate Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
For the lamb shanks:
- 4 lamb shanks (about 3 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley, for garnish
- Prep and Season the Lamb: Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, about 8-10 minutes total. Transfer the lamb shanks to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. Add the cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and coriander, and cook for another minute until the spices are toasted.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Stir in the pomegranate juice, pomegranate molasses, broth, red wine, and tomato paste. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any brown bits (flavor!). Bring the mixture to a simmer and return the lamb shanks to the pot. Add the bay leaf.
- Braise the Lamb: Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Let the lamb shanks braise for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Finish the Dish: Once done, carefully remove the lamb shanks from the pot. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the liquid on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes to reduce it.
- Serve: Serve the lamb shanks with the braising liquid spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 50g