Lamb Shanks with Figs & Rosemary

Recipe Date: September 15, 2019
Serving Size: 4
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 120 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)

The perfect fall and winter cozy comfort food to pair with our Mourvèdre.

Ingredients

  • 4 lamb shanks, trimmed
  • Freshly ground pepper and sea salt
  • 1 cup unbleached white flour
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced thin
  • 4 garlic cloves, sliced thin
  • 1 cup red wine (if you have a bottle that has been open for a few too many days, this is a great way to use it up!)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
  • 12 dried figs, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Directions

Liberally sprinkle the lamb shanks all over with a mixture of salt and pepper, and dredge in the flour. Heat a large heavy sauce pot over medium-high heat, and brown the shanks in olive oil on all sides. Remove the shanks and set aside.

Sauté the sliced onion and garlic in the pan drippings until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the wine, broth, tomatoes, figs, and rosemary. Return the shanks to the pot and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 ½ hours, or cook in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours.

Remove the shanks and boil the sauce for another 15 minutes or so, until it is reduced to a gravy-like consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce with ½ teaspoon of sea salt and a few grinds of pepper. Put the shanks back in the thickened sauce to heat through until ready to eat.

Serve with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to sop up all the juices. Enjoy with a glass of 2016 Mourvèdre!

By Chef Robin Goldstein, from her book, Simply Delicious Wine Country Recipes. Photo by Tenley Fohl.