Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks Greek Style

Slow-cooked lamb shanks, tender and falling off the bone, paired with a rich, aromatic sauce of red wine, vegetables, and warm spices. This Greek-inspired recipe brings deep, comforting flavours that make every bite unforgettable.

If you're a fan of this type of dish, I highly recommend trying my Greek Lemon Beef Stew, moschari lemonato, for a zesty twist. For a similar dish with a rich red sauce, don't miss my beef stidafo recipe. And if you’re looking for something just as comforting, my slow cooked lamb chops and potatoes in red wine is another must-try!

Why You Will Love These Greek Style Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: These lamb shanks are slow-cooked until they're fall-off-the-bone tender, delivering a juicy, succulent bite every time.
  
• Rich, Flavourful Sauce: Simmered in a savoury mix of robust red wine, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, the sauce is thick, luscious, and bursting with flavour.
  
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots, this dish is not only delicious but also a complete meal in itself.
  
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a family dinner or a special gathering, these lamb shanks are a show-stopper that will impress every guest at the table.
  
• Versatile Cooking Methods: This recipe is adaptable for a slow cooker, making it perfect for fans of slow cooker lamb recipes.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love These Greek Style Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks
• Overview of Key Steps
• Watch the Video Tutorial
• Ingredients Overview
• Preparation
• Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
• Tips for Perfect Lamb Shanks
• Serving suggestions
• FAQs
• 📖 Recipe

Overview of Key Steps

To give you a quick overview, here are the 3 main parts of creating this dish:

Watch the Video Tutorial

Want to see the recipe in action? Watch the step-by-step video of me making this delicious Greek Style Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks dish!

Don't forget to like, comment, and share this video with a friend who loves Greek food!

Ingredients Overview

• Lamb Shanks: The star of the dish, lamb shanks become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
  

• Olive Oil: Greek olive oil adds rich flavour and is used to brown the meat.
  
• Potatoes and Carrots: These vegetables add heartiness and absorb the rich flavours of the sauce.
  
• Onions and Garlic: Essential aromatics that provide a flavourful base for the sauce.
  
  

• Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes: The foundation of the sauce, providing depth and a rich tomato flavour.
  
• Red Wine: Adds acidity and enhances the overall flavour profile of the dish.
  
• Beef Stock: Adds depth to the sauce and helps cook the vegetables.
  

• Spices (Cinnamon, Allspice): Classic Greek spices that add warmth and complexity.
  
• Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Bay Leaves): Aromatic herbs that infuse the dish with a fresh, earthy flavour.

Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it's essential to prepare all your ingredients and tools. This preparation stage helps make the cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, minimizing the need to pause mid-recipe.

Preparing the Meat

Season the Lamb Shanks: Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. This helps create a flavourful crust when searing.

Chopping the Vegetables

• Quarter the Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into quarters to ensure they cook through without falling apart.

• Chop the Carrots: Thickly slice the carrots for a hearty texture.

• Dice the Onions: Dice the onions finely to help them cook evenly and blend into the sauce.
  
• Mince the Garlic: Mince or finely chop the garlic to infuse the dish with its rich flavour.

Gather Remaining Ingredients

Make sure all other ingredients are measured and ready: tomato paste, red wine, diced tomatoes, cinnamon, allspice, water or beef stock, fresh rosemary, bay leaves, and seasonings (salt, pepper, oregano, thyme). Having everything ready allows for a seamless cooking process.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Searing the Lamb Shanks
   
   Start by heating olive oil in a large, ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned lamb shanks and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial for locking in flavours.
   
   Remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set them aside.

2. Cooking the Vegetables
   
   In the same pot, add the potatoes, onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
   

3. Adding Liquids and Building the Sauce
   Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavour! Add the diced tomatoes and enough beef stock or water to just cover the vegetables. Stir well to combine.
   
4. Slow Cooking the Lamb
   
   Return the browned lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them among the vegetables. Add the rosemary and bay leaves.
   
   Bring the pot to a boil on the stovetop. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to a preheated oven at 175°C (fan-forced). Cook for 2 hours.
   

5. Finishing Touches
   
   After 2 hours, remove the pot from the oven and uncover it. Turn the lamb shanks to ensure even cooking. Return the pot to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and the lamb to glaze.

5. Rest and Serve
   
   Once the lamb is tender, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
   
   During this resting period, the sauce will naturally thicken as it cools down. Give the sauce a gentle stir to mix the flavours and ensure an even consistency.
   
   

Plate each shank with a generous portion of vegetables and drizzle with the rich, reduced sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Lamb Shanks

• Choose Quality Meat: When possible, opt for well-marbled cuts for the best flavour and tenderness. Always buy fresh!
  
• Browning is Key: Don’t skip the browning step; it adds a depth of flavour that's essential for the dish.
  
• Taste and Adjust: After the initial cooking time, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed to perfect the flavour before serving.

Serving suggestions

Pair this dish with a side of crusty bread, a fresh Greek salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.

FAQs

By following these instructions, complete with detailed preparation steps, images, and a video tutorial, I hope you feel confident to recreate this delicious Greek-style dish on your first try.

Looking for what to cook next? My Greek pork and cabbage stew (xoirino xe laxano) is a must-try! It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavour—perfect for your next cozy dinner.

Enjoy your cooking journey!

📖 Recipe