Perfectly Braised Lamb Shank Meets Buttery Mashed Potatoes: A Recipe to Savor

Photo byAngie Bright

When it comes to a comforting and satisfying meal, lamb shank with creamy mashed potatoes is the perfect choice. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that brings a sense of luxury and warmth to the table. The slow-cooked lamb shanks, with their tender and juicy texture, paired with buttery mashed potatoes, create a combination that’s irresistible for any lamb lover. The best part? You don’t have to be a master chef to make it happen. This simple yet sophisticated recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

A Dish of Comfort and Flavor

Lamb shank is one of those cuts of meat that, when cooked properly, melts in your mouth. The key is low, slow cooking that allows the connective tissue to break down, giving you fork-tender meat that's full of rich flavor. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, which act as the perfect base to soak up the savory broth, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or simply treating yourself to something special, lamb shank with mashed potatoes is a timeless meal that brings comfort and a touch of elegance.

Recipe: Lamb Shank with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lamb shanks
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 tbsp of butter
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh rosemary, for garnishing

Instructions:

1. Sear the Lamb: Heat the olive oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the lamb shanks, searing each side for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, scraping up any brown bits from the lamb.
3. Simmer the Lamb: Pour the beef broth into the pot, stirring well. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer before returning the lamb shanks to the pot. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
4. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the lamb cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Add butter and heavy cream to the potatoes. Mash them until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for personal preference.
6. Serve: Once the lamb is cooked and tender, check for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed. To plate, place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate, lay a lamb shank on top, and drizzle some of the broth over the dish. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a fragrant finishing touch.

A Satisfying Finale

As you take the first bite, the tender lamb shank, soaked in the savory beef broth, combined with the rich creaminess of the mashed potatoes, is a flavor explosion. The rosemary garnish adds a delightful herbal note that complements the dish's richness, making this recipe not only hearty but also elegant. Whether you’re preparing this for a special occasion or a cozy night at home, lamb shank with creamy mashed potatoes is a surefire way to impress anyone at the dinner table.

Here are several great sources that cover similar recipes for lamb shanks with mashed potatoes, including step-by-step instructions and variations:

1. RecipeTin Eats offers a detailed guide for slow-cooked lamb shanks in red wine sauce, focusing on how to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb paired with mashed potatoes. It highlights using red wine and herbs like thyme and bay leaves for flavor, with tips on preparing mashed potatoes or alternatives like polenta​(RecipeTin Eats).
2. The Stay At Home Chef provides another version of braised lamb shanks, including options for serving them with mashed potatoes. This source also suggests wine or alternatives like cranberry juice to enhance the flavor of the lamb and gives a rundown on the slow-braising process​(The Stay At Home Chef).
3. Home Cooking with Somjit offers a no-oven recipe for lamb shanks with mashed potatoes, giving tips on achieving the best texture and flavor through proper marination and searing. It includes useful advice on how to make the mashed potatoes extra creamy​(Home Cooking with Somjit).
4. Spur Sauces provides a straightforward recipe for lamb shanks with creamy potato mash, ideal for those looking for a quick and hearty meal. The recipe also includes variations like adding herbs or cheese to the mashed potatoes​(Spur Sauces).

You can explore these sources further for additional tips and recipe variations to suit your preferences!