This lip-smacking lamb shanks recipe will leave your guests wanting more!

(Serves 6)

Slow-roasted lamb shanks with minted pearl couscous recipe

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE LAMB SHANKS

15ml oil, plus extra for frying
45ml cake flour
10ml paprika
6 small to medium lamb shanks
4 cloves garlic
2 red onions, peeled and cut
into crescents
10ml tagine or harissa paste
1 (410g) tin chopped tomatoes
500ml lamb or beef stock
30ml fresh rosemary

FOR THE MINTED PEARL COUSCOUS

600ml vegetable stock or water
300g pearl couscous
100g frozen peas
30g butter
15ml basil pesto
30ml fresh mint, finely chopped
salt and milled black pepper

FOR THE TOPPING

45ml fresh parsley, finely chopped
finely grated zest of 1 small lemon
45ml Panko breadcrumbs
salt and pepper

TO SERVE

Fresh herbs (we used sprigs of rosemary and pineapple sage flowers)

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C.
2. To make the lamb shanks, heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole with a lid.
3. Mix the cake flour and paprika together and sprinkle over the shanks. Sear the shanks, in batches, until browned all over.
4. Remove the shanks from the casserole dish and set aside.
5. Return the dish to the stove, with a splash of oil and fry the garlic and onions over a low heat for 5–7 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the tagine or harissa paste and the tomatoes.
6. Return the lamb shanks to the casserole and cover with the stock and rosemary. Cover with the lid and bake for 2½–3 hours, or until the lamb is meltingly tender.
7. To make the minted pearl couscous, bring the stock or water to the boil and add the pearl couscous, simmer for 10 minutes and add the frozen peas.
8. Cook for 2 minutes and drain well. Transfer to a bowl and stir through the remaining ingredients. Set aside.
9. Mix the topping ingredients together. Transfer the shanks to a platter, sprinkle over the topping, and garnish with fresh herbs.
10. Reheat the couscous just before serving with the lamb.

 

ALSO SEE: LENTIL & ROASTED VEGETABLE SALAD WITH CONFIT GARLIC

Lentil & roasted vegetable salad with confit garlic