I remember the first time I tried slow-cooked lamb shanks. It was a cold evening, and I was in search of something comforting but also a little special. I’d heard a lot about Jamie Oliver’s recipes, and this one for slow-cooked lamb shanks caught my eye. The idea of letting the meat cook low and slow for hours, filling the house with rich, savory smells, sounded irresistible.
When I finally tasted the result, I was hooked. The lamb was tender, falling off the bone. The flavors were deep and complex. It was the perfect dish for a cozy dinner with family or friends, and I felt like I’d just unlocked a secret to one of the best meals I could make at home.
Now, whenever I’m in the mood for a slow-cooked dish that feels like a real treat, I turn to Jamie Oliver’s slow-cooked lamb shanks. Here’s how you can make it too.
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s recipe for slow-cooked lamb shanks is nothing short of magic. The lamb becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth, and the flavors are layered and comforting. But what makes it so great? It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s practically foolproof.
I love how this recipe lets the slow cooker do most of the work, and how easy it is to prepare. The key is to let the lamb take its time cooking. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients Needed
You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make Jamie Oliver’s slow-cooked lamb shanks:
- Lamb Shanks (around 4-6 pieces, depending on how many you’re serving)
- Olive Oil (for browning the lamb)
- Garlic Cloves (around 4-5, smashed)
- Onion (1 large, roughly chopped)
- Carrot (1 large, peeled and chopped)
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
- Tomatoes (1 can of chopped tomatoes or 4 fresh ones, diced)
- Red Wine (about 250 ml; Jamie Oliver is all about using good wine in cooking)
- Rosemary (fresh sprigs)
- Thyme (fresh sprigs)
- Bay Leaves (2 or 3)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Beef Stock (around 500 ml)
- Cinnamon Stick (optional for a subtle warmth)
The ingredients are simple, but they create a deep, rich flavor that’s just amazing.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
I remember being hesitant about slow cooking at first. But once I realized how easy it is, I was sold. Here’s the step-by-step guide to making Jamie Oliver’s slow-cooked lamb shanks:
- Sear the Lamb: Heat olive oil in a large pan. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides for about 5-10 minutes. This seals in the flavor and adds a beautiful color to the meat.
- Prepare the Veggies: In the same pan, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. These vegetables will create the flavor base for the dish.
- Deglaze: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits of caramelized goodness from the bottom. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes.
- Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker. Pour in the beef stock. Ensure the lamb is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The lamb should be super tender, and the sauce will be rich and flavorful. If you can wait that long-trust me, the smell in your kitchen will drive you wild.
- Serve: Once it’s done, you can serve the lamb shanks with mashed potatoes, couscous, or a nice crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s take a moment to break down some of the ingredients that make this dish so special:
- Lamb Shanks: The cut is tough but full of flavor. Slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue, turning it into melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The collagen transforms into gelatin, which gives the sauce its rich, silky texture.
- Red Wine: Not just for drinking! The acidity of the wine helps tenderize the meat and adds depth to the sauce. It balances the richness of the lamb and infuses the dish with complex flavors.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and acidity to the dish. They also help thicken the sauce as it cooks down.
- Rosemary & Thyme: These herbs have earthy, piney notes that complement lamb’s natural flavor. They infuse the dish over the slow cooking process, enhancing its savory profile.
Expert Tips
- Brown the Lamb Properly: Don’t rush this step. It’s essential to get that nice brown crust on the meat to build flavor. It also makes the dish look more appetizing when it’s done.
- Adjust the Liquids: Depending on your slow cooker, you may need to adjust the amount of stock. If the lamb shanks aren’t fully covered, top them off with a bit more liquid.
- Slow Cook on Low: While it might be tempting to cook on high to speed things up, the low and slow method will yield the best results. The longer cooking time breaks down the fibers in the meat and deepens the flavors.
- Use Good Wine: Since wine is a key ingredient, use one that you’d actually enjoy drinking. A cheap bottle will affect the final taste.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Spicy Lamb Shanks: Add a few chopped chilies or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a little heat. The combination of heat and savory lamb works wonders.
- Vegetarian Version: You can make a similar dish with vegetables. Replace the lamb with root vegetables like parsnips and sweet potatoes. Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a handful of dried apricots or prunes toward the end of cooking. Their sweetness balances the richness of the lamb perfectly.
- Slow Cooker Biryani: For a fusion twist, add some basmati rice and a blend of curry spices halfway through cooking. The rice will soak up the sauce and cook along with the lamb, making for a hearty one-pot meal.
Final Words
There’s something about a slow-cooked meal that feels like a labor of love. When I make Jamie Oliver’s lamb shanks, I can’t help but feel like I’m serving up something that took a long time to prepare, even though it’s incredibly easy to make.
It’s the kind of dish that brings people together-whether it’s around the dinner table or just sharing the cozy vibe of the kitchen. It’s comforting and indulgent without being overwhelming.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks?
You’ll need lamb shanks, garlic, onion, carrots, tomatoes, red wine, stock, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
How Long Should I Cook Lamb Shanks In The Slow Cooker?
Cook the lamb shanks on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Can I Use Bone-in Or Boneless Lamb Shanks For This Recipe?
The recipe works best with bone-in lamb shanks as they add more flavor. But you can use boneless if you prefer.