Garlic Lovers Greek Lamb Shanks Recipes

GARLIC LOVERS' GREEK LAMB SHANKS

Steps:

• Trim most visible fat from shanks.
• Cut slits 1/2" wide and deep all over shanks, as many as possible.
• Stuff garlic cloves into slits, lengthening or deepening them as needed.
• Drizzle or rub extra virgin olive oil over shanks, trying to get the oil into the slits with the garlic.
• (Recipe may be made in advance to this point. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day) Put shanks in a broiler-safe pan (I use a low rack in a pyrex dish) and broil on both sides until meat sizzles and browns, about 6- 7 minutes per side.
• Remove shanks from oven, and turn it down to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Pour red wine over shanks, and distribute 1 T each mint and oregano over both sides of each shank.
• Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
• Cover pan with aluminum foil, return to oven, and bake for approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours, basting every 40 minutes or so.
• When done, you can pour drippings into small pan and boil until slightly thickened while lamb rests, to serve alongside.

GREEK-STYLE LAMB SHANKS

Steps:

• In a 8-quart Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat, Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon salt on lamb shanks. Cook lamb shanks, 2 at a time, until browned on all sides. Remove shanks to a bowl as they brown.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In drippings in Dutch oven, cook onions and carrots until tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, cook 2 minutes.
• Return lamb shanks to Dutch oven. Add tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, and 3/4 teaspoon salt; heat to boiling over high heat. Cover Dutch oven and bake 1 1/2 hours. Turn lamb shanks over; add potatoes and green beans. Cover and bake 1 1/4 hours longer or until lamb and potatoes are tender.
• Meanwhile, from lemons, grate 1 tablespoon peel and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice.
• When lamb shanks are done, skim fat from sauce. Stir in lemon peel, lemon juice, dill, and parsley.