Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks recipe is a delicious, hands-off way to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks. Using a slow cooker allows the lamb to cook low and slow, soaking up the rich flavors of the herbs, wine, and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a cozy, hearty dinner with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to go about your day.
• Tender Meat: Slow cooking ensures the lamb shanks become tender and juicy.
• Rich Flavors: The long cooking time allows the lamb to absorb the flavors of the wine, garlic, and herbs.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Though simple to make, this dish is impressive enough to serve for a special dinner.

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lamb Shoulder
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lamb Shanks
• Jamie Oliver Lamb Stew

What is Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Recipe?

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks is a slow-cooked dish made with lamb shanks, garlic, fresh herbs, red wine, and vegetables. The lamb is cooked slowly over several hours until it becomes tender and flavorful, creating a rich and hearty dish.

Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Ingredients

• Lamb Shanks: 4 large lamb shanks
• Garlic: 4 cloves, peeled and crushed
• Fresh Rosemary: 3-4 sprigs
• Carrots: 2 large, chopped
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Canned Tomatoes (diced): 400g (about 14 oz)
• Beef Stock: 500ml (2 cups)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

Step 1: Brown the Lamb Shanks

• Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Brown the Shanks: Add the lamb shanks and brown them on all sides for about 5-6 minutes. This helps lock in the flavor. Once browned, remove the lamb shanks from the pan and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to brown.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

• Add Wine and Tomatoes: Pour the red wine into the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the canned tomatoes and beef stock. Stir well.

Step 4: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

• Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the browned lamb shanks into the slow cooker, then pour the wine and vegetable mixture over the top. Add the sprigs of rosemary and season with salt and pepper.
• Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the lamb shanks are tender and falling off the bone.

Step 5: Serve

• Remove the Lamb Shanks: Once cooked, carefully remove the lamb shanks from the slow cooker.
• Reduce the Sauce (Optional): If the sauce is too thin, you can transfer it to a pan and simmer it for 10-15 minutes to thicken. Otherwise, serve as is.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve the lamb shanks with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Polenta: Soft polenta makes a great base for the rich sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair the lamb with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes.
• Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

• Brown the Lamb First: Browning the lamb shanks before slow cooking adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall dish.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary adds a great depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, dried rosemary will work.
• Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip the step of adding the wine to the pan. It helps deglaze the pan, adding all those flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
• Slow Cook for Tenderness: Cooking the lamb shanks on low for a longer time results in the most tender, flavorful meat.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

• Spicy Lamb Shanks: Add some chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the dish for extra heat.
• Lamb Shanks with Root Vegetables: Add potatoes, turnips, or parsnips to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
• Herb Variation: Use thyme or bay leaves instead of rosemary for a different herbal flavor profile.

How to Store Leftovers from Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks

• Refrigeration: Once the lamb has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as the dish sits, making it even tastier the next day.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the lamb shanks in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Leftovers

• Stovetop Reheating: Reheat the lamb shanks in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a little water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave Reheating: For quicker reheating, place an individual portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Place the lamb and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Can you cook lamb shanks from frozen in a slow cooker?

It’s not recommended to cook lamb shanks from frozen in a slow cooker. For best results and food safety, thaw the lamb shanks in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and may increase the risk of bacteria growth.

What is the best wine to use for slow cooker lamb shanks?

A good quality red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz works best for slow cooker lamb shanks. These wines add depth and richness to the sauce, complementing the flavors of the lamb.

How do you thicken the sauce in slow cooker lamb shanks?

To thicken the sauce, you can transfer it to a pan and simmer it on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour mixed with water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens.

Can I make slow cooker lamb shanks ahead of time?

Yes, slow cooker lamb shanks can be made ahead of time. After cooking, allow the lamb to cool, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven or stovetop, and the flavors will have developed even more, making the dish taste even better.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks is an incredibly easy way to prepare tender, flavorful lamb shanks with minimal effort. The slow cooker ensures that the lamb becomes fall-off-the-bone tender while absorbing all the rich flavors of the wine, garlic, and herbs. Serve it with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal

More Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs
• Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs Curry
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lamb Stew
• Jamie Oliver Cream of Vegetable Soup

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