Lamb shanks are a delicious and hearty dish that can warm you up on a cold day. They are tender, succulent, and full of flavor, especially when cooked in a rich red wine sauce with aromatic herbs and root vegetables. If you are looking for a simple and easy way to make lamb shanks, you should try the Mary Berry lamb shank recipe using the oven. Mary Berry is a famous British cook, author, and television presenter who has been sharing her recipes and tips for over 60 years. She is known for her classic and elegant dishes that are suitable for any occasion.
In this article, I will show you how to make her lamb shank recipe with step-by-step instructions, tips, and photos.
By the end of this article, you will be able to make a mouthwatering lamb shank dish that will impress your family and friends.
What is Mary Berry Lamb Shank Recipe?
Mary Berry Lamb Shank Recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that consists of lamb shanks cooked in a rich red wine sauce with aromatic herbs and root vegetables. It is a simple and easy recipe that uses the oven to make the lamb shanks tender and fall off the bone. It is a classic and elegant dish that is suitable for any occasion, such as a family dinner, a Sunday roast, or a special celebration.
Why You Love this Recipe
This Mary Berry Lamb Shank recipe is a culinary delight, offering ease in preparation, rich flavors, and wholesome nutrition.
Here are the key reasons why it’s a must-try:
- Simple and Easy: Requires only a few basic steps and ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The sauce’s savory sweetness perfectly complements the lamb and vegetables, creating a deeply satisfying meal.
- Nutritious: Packed with high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins, thanks to the wholesome ingredients used.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize the dish with your preferred root vegetables or additional ingredients in the sauce or casserole.
- Comforting for Cold Weather: An ideal dish for warming up and filling up during chilly days.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry lamb shank recipe?
The ingredients for the Mary Berry lamb shank recipe are simple and easy to find. You will need the following:
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 6 lamb fore shanks, about 200 grams each
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1.25 tablespoon of plain flour
- 320 milliliters of red wine
- 460 milliliters of chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon of redcurrant jelly
- 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary leaves
- 260 grams of baby carrots, cut in half lengthways if large
- 260 grams of parsnips, cut into long strips
- 260 grams of baby turnips, cut in half lengthways if large
- A knob of butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions to Make the Mary Berry Lamb Shank
The Mary Berry lamb shank recipe is easy to make and requires only a few steps. Here is how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and brown the lamb shanks
- Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius, 140 degrees Celsius fan, or gas mark 3.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a deep, ovenproof frying pan or a flameproof casserole dish over high heat.
- Add the lamb shanks and brown them all over for 5 to 6 minutes or until golden. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your pan or dish.
- Remove the lamb shanks with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Cook the onion and garlic and make the sauce
- Add the remaining oil and the onion and garlic to the same pan or dish over medium heat.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
- Measure the flour into a small bowl and pour in the wine. Whisk into a smooth paste, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add the stock to the onion mixture and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Add the redcurrant jelly and rosemary and stir until the jelly dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Return the lamb shanks to the pan and bake in the oven
- Place the lamb shanks back in the pan or dish and spoon some of the sauce over them.
- Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven.
- Bake for about 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone. You can check the doneness by inserting a fork or a knife into the meat. It should slide in and out easily.
- If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce is reduced and glossy.
Step 4: Boil and fry the root vegetables
- When the lamb is almost done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the carrots, parsnips, and turnips and boil for 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain well.
- Add a third of the vegetables to the lamb casserole and stir gently to coat them with the sauce.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over high heat.
- Add the remaining vegetables and fry for 4 to 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until golden and crisp on the edges.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
- Serve one lamb shank per person with some of the sauce and vegetables from the casserole and extra fried vegetables on the side.
- Sprinkle with the chopped parsley to garnish and add some extra flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious and hearty lamb shank dish with a glass of red wine, some crusty bread, or a green salad.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Lamb Shank
Enhance your lamb shank meal with these perfect accompaniments:
- Red Wine Pairing: Choose from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz to complement the sauce’s flavors and colors.
- Crusty Bread: Options like sourdough, baguette, or ciabatta are excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Green Salad: Add a fresh element with a salad of spinach, rocket, or kale, balancing the richness of the main dish.
- Hearty Sides: Mashed potatoes, rice, or couscous add a comforting dimension, making the meal more filling and satisfying.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Lamb Shank
Here are some pro tips to make this dish even better:
- Opt for Lamb Fore Shanks: These smaller, more affordable cuts cook quicker than regular shanks and offer a tender, juicy texture due to their higher fat and connective tissue content.
- Thorough Browning: Brown the shanks well before baking to infuse the meat and sauce with a richer flavor and a more appealing color.
- Suitable Cookware: Use a deep, ovenproof frying pan or a flameproof casserole dish for convenience. This one-pan approach simplifies cooking and cleanup.
- Quality Red Wine: Select a high-quality red wine to intensify the sauce’s flavor and aroma. Alternatively, use extra stock or water for a non-alcoholic version.
- Meat Doneness Test: Check if the meat is cooked by inserting a fork or knife; it should penetrate easily and the meat should fall off the bone.
- Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If the sauce seems thin, uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to achieve a reduced, glossy consistency.
Variations of Mary Berry Lamb Shank
Personalize the classic Mary Berry Lamb Shank by experimenting with these variations:
- Herb Alternatives: Swap rosemary for other herbs like thyme, sage, or oregano, or use a blend for a more complex flavor profile.
- Jelly Varieties: Try different jellies such as cranberry, blackberry, or apricot instead of redcurrant, or add honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.
- Wine Options: Experiment with white wine, port, sherry, cider, or beer to give the sauce a unique twist.
- Vegetable Choices: Replace the usual carrots, parsnips, and turnips with potatoes, sweet potatoes, beetroots, or celeriac, or mix various vegetables for greater nutritional diversity and taste.
- Additional Ingredients: Enhance texture and flavor by adding mushrooms, leeks, celery, or peas to the casserole.
How do I store Mary Berry Lamb Shank Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers from this dish, you can store them in the following ways:
In the fridge
- Let the lamb shanks and sauce cool completely before storing them in the fridge.
- Transfer them to an airtight container or a ziplock bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to label and date the container or bag, so you know when to use them.
In the freezer
- Let the lamb shanks and sauce cool completely before storing them in the freezer.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to label and date the container or bag, so you know when to use them.
- Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating them.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Lamb Shank Leftovers?
If you want to reheat the leftovers from this dish, you can do it in the following ways:
In the oven
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius, 160 degrees Celsius fan, or gas mark 4.
- Place the lamb shanks and sauce in an ovenproof dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbling.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the lamb shanks are browned and crisp on the edges.
On the stove
- Place the lamb shanks and sauce in a large skillet or a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbling.
- Stir occasionally and add some water or stock if the sauce is too thick.
In the microwave
- Place the lamb shanks and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Microwave for 5 to 10 minutes, or until hot and bubbling, depending on the power and size of your microwave.
- Stir halfway through and check the temperature with a thermometer or a fork. It should be at least 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the benefits of eating lamb shanks?
Lamb shanks are more than just a delectable meal; they’re packed with essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet. Here’s why incorporating lamb shanks into your meals can be beneficial:
- Rich Protein Source: Lamb shanks are an excellent source of high-quality protein, crucial for muscle building, bone health, and repairing tissues. A single lamb shank can provide approximately 35 grams of protein, fulfilling about 70% of an adult’s daily protein requirement.
- Iron Content: They are a significant source of iron, a vital mineral for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing anemia. One lamb shank offers about 4.5 milligrams of iron, which accounts for around 25% of an adult’s daily iron needs.
- High in Zinc: Lamb shanks are rich in zinc, an essential nutrient for a robust immune system, efficient wound healing, and overall growth. Consuming one lamb shank can deliver about 8.5 milligrams of zinc, covering 77% of the recommended daily intake for an adult.
- Low in Carbohydrates: With just 0.5 grams of carbohydrates per shank, lamb shanks are an excellent choice for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, lamb shanks are a safe and healthy option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
Mary Berry Lamb Shank Recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that you can make easily and quickly in the oven. It is a perfect dish for any occasion, as it is flavorful, satisfying, nutritious, and versatile. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as bread, salad, potatoes, rice, or couscous. You can also store and reheat the leftovers for another meal. If you are looking for a simple and easy way to make lamb shanks, you should try this recipe and enjoy the tender and succulent meat with the rich and sweet sauce. I hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy cooking
