Ingredients:
- 4 lamb shanks
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the Lamb Shanks:
- Season the lamb shanks with ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spices into the meat.
- Sear the Lamb Shanks:
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove shanks and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for a few minutes until the tomatoes break down.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Return Lamb Shanks:
- Place the seared lamb shanks back into the pot.
- Pour Broth:
- Pour in the chicken or beef broth until the lamb shanks are almost submerged.
- Braise in Oven:
- Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the lamb shanks to braise for 2 to 2.5 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs and chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the Palestinian lamb shanks hot over a bed of couscous or rice. Spoon some of the flavorful cooking juices over the top.
This Palestinian Lamb Shank recipe yields tender, succulent meat with aromatic spices and a rich broth. It’s a perfect dish for special occasions or a hearty family dinner. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Palestinian cuisine!
