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### Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion – Festive Perfection
When it comes to holiday meals, **braised lamb shanks** are a showstopper. The rich, succulent meat and aromatic flavors come together in a dish that’s perfect for festive celebrations, like Christmas dinner. Braised to tender perfection and infused with an array of herbs and spices, **Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion** is a comforting, indulgent meal that brings warmth and elegance to your holiday table.
This recipe combines the traditional richness of lamb with a sophisticated herb infusion, making it an ideal centerpiece for a memorable Christmas feast. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or having a cozy dinner with loved ones, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you can prepare this festive, flavorful lamb dish.
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### Why Choose Braised Lamb Shanks for Christmas?
Lamb is often associated with festive and celebratory meals, and for good reason. It’s a **deliciously rich and flavorful meat** that holds up beautifully to long cooking methods like braising. Braised lamb shanks, in particular, offer the perfect balance of tenderness and depth of flavor, making them an excellent choice for a holiday dinner.
Here are a few reasons why braised lamb shanks are a perfect choice for your Christmas table:
1. **Tender and Juicy**: Braising slowly breaks down the tough muscle fibers in the lamb shanks, leaving you with melt-in-your-mouth, tender meat that falls off the bone.
2. **Sophisticated Yet Easy**: Despite the luxurious feel of braised lamb, the cooking method is surprisingly easy. With a bit of prep and patience, you can make a dish that looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated without a lot of fuss.
3. **Ideal for Holiday Feasts**: Braised lamb shanks can easily be scaled up for large groups, making them a perfect choice for a family holiday meal. The dish also pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes, making it versatile for your holiday spread.
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### Ingredients for Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion
To prepare your **braised lamb shanks**, you’ll need a few quality ingredients to ensure that the flavors shine. Here’s what you’ll need for the recipe:
– **4 lamb shanks** (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **1 onion**, finely chopped
– **3 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 carrots**, peeled and chopped
– **2 celery stalks**, chopped
– **2 cups red wine** (a full-bodied variety like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– **2 cups lamb or beef broth**
– **1 tablespoon tomato paste**
– **2 tablespoons fresh rosemary**, chopped
– **2 tablespoons fresh thyme**, chopped
– **1 bay leaf**
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **Salt and freshly ground black pepper**, to taste
– **Zest of one orange** (optional, for a hint of citrus)
– **Fresh parsley** for garnish (optional)
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### How to Make Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion
#### Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Shanks
Before you begin cooking, it’s essential to **season** the lamb shanks well. Start by patting the lamb dry with paper towels. This will help the meat brown more evenly. Then, generously season the lamb with **salt** and **pepper** on all sides.
– Heat the **olive oil** in a large, heavy-bottomed pot (such as a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the lamb shanks to the pot. Brown them on all sides for about **5 minutes** until they develop a rich golden-brown crust. Remove the shanks from the pot and set them aside.
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#### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics
In the same pot, add the **chopped onion**, **garlic**, **carrots**, and **celery**. Sauté for about **5 minutes**, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
– Add the **tomato paste** to the vegetables and stir it in, allowing it to cook for an additional **2 minutes**. This will deepen the flavors and create a rich base for the braising liquid.
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#### Step 3: Add the Wine and Broth
Once the vegetables and tomato paste are well combined, pour in the **red wine**. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about **5 minutes**, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the wine to reduce slightly.
– Add the **lamb or beef broth**, **rosemary**, **thyme**, **bay leaf**, and **oregano**. Stir well to combine.
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#### Step 4: Braise the Lamb Shanks
Return the browned lamb shanks to the pot. The shanks should be partially submerged in the liquid, but not completely covered. If necessary, add more broth or water to cover them halfway.
– Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then **cover the pot** and transfer it to a **preheated oven** at **325°F (163°C)**. Braise the lamb for about **2.5 to 3 hours**, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
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#### Step 5: Final Touches
Once the lamb shanks are done, remove them from the pot and set them aside, keeping them warm. Discard the **bay leaf** and use a spoon to skim any excess fat from the braising liquid.
– If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it on the stove over medium heat for 10-15 minutes to reduce and thicken it. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or even a little extra rosemary if desired.
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