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# Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion: A Festive Feast to Remember
The holiday season is all about bringing family and friends together with delicious food, and nothing says “celebration” like a hearty, flavorful dish that leaves everyone impressed. **Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion** is one of those dishes that transforms a special occasion into a memorable feast. Tender, succulent lamb shanks slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, aromatic broth, infused with fresh herbs and spices, create a showstopping entrée that embodies the essence of Christmas.
This dish is perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or festive celebrations. With minimal effort, you can create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to wow your guests. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to prepare **Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion**, share some tips for the perfect braise, and explore why this dish is the ultimate holiday indulgence.
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## Why You’ll Love Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks
– **Tender and Flavorful**: Braising lamb shanks makes the meat incredibly tender, as it slowly absorbs the rich flavors from the broth and herbs. The result is melt-in-your-mouth meat that is infused with festive seasonings.
– **Impressive Yet Easy**: While braising may sound like a complicated technique, it’s incredibly easy to do. Once the lamb shanks are seared and placed in the pot, they require very little attention, leaving you free to enjoy your holiday preparations.
– **Perfect for Special Occasions**: Lamb shanks are a luxurious cut of meat that adds a touch of sophistication to any holiday meal. Their hearty, savory flavor pairs wonderfully with the richness of the braising liquid and makes for an unforgettable centerpiece.
– **Herb-Infused Goodness**: The combination of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves, along with the deep flavors of garlic, onions, and wine, infuses the lamb with a fragrant and aromatic profile that’s perfect for Christmas.
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## Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this flavorful Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– **4 lamb shanks** (bone-in)
– **2 tablespoons olive oil** (for searing the lamb)
– **2 medium onions**, roughly chopped
– **4 cloves garlic**, smashed
– **2 medium carrots**, peeled and chopped
– **2 celery stalks**, chopped
– **2 cups dry red wine** (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– **3 cups beef broth** (or lamb broth, if available)
– **2 tablespoons tomato paste**
– **2 teaspoons fresh rosemary** (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
– **2 teaspoons fresh thyme** (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– **2 bay leaves**
– **1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar** (for added depth of flavor)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
– **Fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)
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## How to Make Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks with Herb Infusion
### Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Shanks
– Begin by **preheating your oven** to **325°F (165°C)**.
– Pat the **lamb shanks** dry with paper towels to ensure they sear well. Season generously with **salt** and **pepper** on all sides.
### Step 2: Sear the Lamb Shanks
– In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat **olive oil** over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the lamb shanks and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
– Once seared, remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside.
### Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
– In the same pot, add the chopped **onions**, **garlic**, **carrots**, and **celery**. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize, releasing their aromas.
– Stir in the **tomato paste** and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
### Step 4: Add the Liquid
– Pour in the **red wine** and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to cook for about 5 minutes, reducing slightly.
– Add the **beef broth**, **rosemary**, **thyme**, **bay leaves**, and **balsamic vinegar**, then stir to combine.
### Step 5: Braise the Lamb Shanks
– Return the seared lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them in the broth and vegetable mixture. The liquid should come about halfway up the shanks; if not, add a bit more broth or water.
– Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Once simmering, cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
– Braise the lamb for **2.5 to 3 hours**, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. The slow-cooking process will allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender.
### Step 6: Finish and Serve
– Once the lamb shanks are tender, remove the pot from the oven. Carefully take the shanks out and place them on a serving platter, keeping them warm.
– Discard the bay leaves, and taste the braising liquid for seasoning. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
– If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can place the pot back on the stovetop over medium heat and reduce the liquid to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can serve the liquid as is, which will be rich and flavorful.
### Step 7: Serve and Garnish
– Pour the herb-infused braising liquid over the lamb shanks, ensuring that the meat is coated in the aromatic sauce.
– Garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish.
– Serve the lamb shanks with your favorite sides—think **roast potatoes**, **mashed potatoes**, or a **green vegetable** like **roasted Brussels sprouts** or **green beans**.
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Tips for the Best Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks
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