Balsamic Braised Leg Of Lamb Recipes

BALSAMIC BRAISED LAMB SHANKS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375.
• Rub lamb shanks with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Pour the remaining olive oil in a dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat.
• Add the lamb shanks and brown on all sides, about 4 minutes per side.
• In the meantime, prepare the marinade by combining balsamic vinegar, red wine, chicken broth, garlic and rosemary leaves; mix until thoroughly incorporated.
• Remove lamb shanks from the pot and set aside.
• Add the onions to the hot oil; cook for 2 minutes, frequently stirring, until onions begin to soften.
• Pour in the prepared marinade and return lamb shanks to the pot; bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.
• Cover with a lid and place in the oven; cook for 1.5 hours.
• Remove the lid, flip the lamb shanks to the other side, and continue to cook for 30 more minutes.
• Remove from oven and serve over mashed potatoes drizzled with the cooking liquid.

HONEY-BRAISED LEG OF LAMB WITH CARROTS AND FENNEL

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the mint, rosemary and garlic. Open up the lamb flat on a baking sheet and top with some salt and pepper, about 2 tablespoons of the honey and about three-quarters of the herb-garlic mix. Roll up the lamb and tie it with butcher's twine, then top with the remaining honey and herb-garlic mix. Refrigerate, uncovered, for about 2 hours to marinate, then let the lamb come to room temperature before cooking.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Add the chicken broth, white wine, carrots, onions and fennel to a large Dutch oven, then set the lamb on top of the vegetables. Roast until the lamb registers an internal temperature of 130 degrees F (medium rare) on an instant-read thermometer, about 2 hours.
• Let the lamb rest on a cutting board for 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a serving platter.
• In a small bowl, use a fork to mash the butter and flour together to form a smooth paste. Place the Dutch oven with the pan juices over medium heat and bring to a simmer, then whisk in the butter and flour mixture. Bring to a boil and heat until thickened, about 3 minutes.
• Slice the lamb and serve with the vegetables and pan sauce spooned over.

YOGURT BRAISED LEG OF LAMB

Steps:

• Heat oil over medium high heat in a large pot. Brown the lamb pieces in batches. Remove the meat and reserve. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, bay leaves, dried oregano, black pepper, and potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are lightly browned. Deglaze the pot the red wine vinegar. Add the lamb pieces. Allow the liquid to reduce until dry. Add the lemon juice and yogurt. Mix well. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer slowly for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until the lamb is tender. Periodically skim off any froth that has risen to the top of the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve in bowls or soup plates. Garnish with a dollop of yogurt and serve with pita bread.
• *To strain yogurt, place yogurt in a cheesecloth and tie with a short piece of string. Place cheesecloth pouch into a strainer and place over a medium bowl. Let sit in refrigerator for 1 hour. Discard liquid and remove yogurt from cheesecloth.