Imagine a dish so tender that the meat falls off the bone with just a gentle touch, infused with rich Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece. Our Slow Cooker Greek Lamb Shanks are not just a meal – they're a gastronomic journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food that will impress family and friends alike!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 lamb shanks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the lamb shanks and sear them on all sides until they are browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step enhances the flavor of the meat.
- Once the lamb shanks are browned, transfer them to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- After sautéing the onion and garlic, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will add depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Pour in the red wine and add the dried oregano. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Season the lamb shanks in the slow cooker with salt and pepper to taste. Then pour the tomato and wine mixture over the shanks, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will make the lamb tender and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lamb shanks from the slow cooker. They will be very tender, so handle them gently.
- Optional: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can transfer the remaining sauce to a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.
- Serve the lamb shanks hot, drizzled with the sauce, alongside your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Searing is Crucial: Never skip the browning step! Searing the lamb shanks before slow cooking creates a deep, caramelized flavor that's essential to the dish's richness.
- Wine Matters: Use a good quality red wine that you'd enjoy drinking. The wine will reduce and concentrate its flavors during the long cooking process.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking. Eight hours on low heat ensures the lamb becomes incredibly tender and allows the flavors to fully develop.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don't hesitate to reduce it on the stovetop after cooking or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, herbed rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 827kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 58g
Fat: 57g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 200mg
