Mahicheh
Persian Braised Lamb Shank
Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks slow-cooked in an aromatic broth infused with Persian spices, dried limes, and a hint of cinnamon. A deeply comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for special occasions or a cozy meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Lamb shanks(About 1-1.5 lbs (450-680g) each)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 Onions(Large, thinly sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced)
- 3 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Ground cumin(Optional, for added depth)
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 3 Dried limes (limoo amani)(Poked with a fork or knife)
- 4 cups Water or low-sodium beef/lamb broth(Enough to mostly cover the shanks)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for serving Saffron rice(Cooked according to package directions)
- for garnish Fresh parsley or cilantro(Chopped (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until deeply browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This browning builds crucial flavor. Remove the shanks from the pot and set aside.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 2
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the tomato paste, turmeric, and cumin (if using). Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly and smells fragrant.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 3
Return the seared lamb shanks to the pot. Add the cinnamon stick and the poked dried limes. Pour in the water or broth, ensuring the liquid comes about two-thirds of the way up the sides of the shanks. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Braise the lamb shanks gently, covered, for at least 3 hours, or until the meat is exceptionally tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Check periodically and add more liquid if necessary to keep the shanks partially submerged. The ideal cooking temperature is a gentle simmer, around 160°C (320°F) if using an oven-safe pot in the oven.
⏱️ 3 hours - 3 hours 30 minutes - 5
Once the lamb is tender, carefully remove the shanks from the pot and set aside. If the sauce is too thin for your liking, increase the heat to medium-high and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until it has reduced to your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the cinnamon stick and dried limes before serving.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 6
Serve the tender lamb shanks hot over a bed of fluffy saffron rice. Spoon the rich, reduced sauce generously over the lamb and rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Poking the dried limes with a fork or knife before adding them helps to release their tart, aromatic flavor into the braising liquid.
- ✓For the most tender results, ensure the liquid is barely simmering during the braising process. Avoid a rolling boil.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin after braising, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered over medium-high heat, or by making a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water and whisking it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
- ✓This dish benefits from resting. The flavors meld beautifully if made a day ahead and gently reheated.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of cooked fava beans (baghali) or split peas to the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a variation similar to Baghali Polo.
- Include a can of drained chickpeas along with the liquid for added texture and protein.