Icelandic Braised Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables
Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks slow-braised in a rich, savory broth with aromatic herbs and hearty root vegetables. This comforting Icelandic dish is perfect for a cold day, showcasing the robust flavors of lamb and the earthiness of traditional Icelandic vegetables.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Lamb shanks
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 2 medium Celery stalks(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 cups Red wine
- 48 oz Beef broth
- 3 Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 5 Fresh thyme sprigs
- 0.5 medium Rutabaga(peeled and diced)
- 4 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Season lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until deeply browned. Remove shanks from the pot and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Deglaze the pot by pouring in the red wine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half.
- 5
Pour in the beef broth. Add the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Return the lamb shanks to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer.
- 6
Cover the pot tightly with a lid or foil and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is very tender.
- 7
Add the diced rutabaga and potato chunks to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate them into the braising liquid. Cover and continue to cook in the oven for another 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 8
Remove the lamb shanks and vegetables from the pot. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid. If desired, simmer the liquid on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken it slightly into a sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- 9
Serve the lamb shanks with the braised vegetables and a generous amount of the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For even more tender lamb, you can braise it for an additional 30-60 minutes.
- ✓If you don't have red wine, a dark beer or extra beef broth can be used as a substitute.
- ✓Ensure the vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.