Garlic Lovers Greek Lamb Shanks

Indulge in the rich, Mediterranean flavors of Garlic Lovers Greek Lamb Shanks, a dish that’s perfect for slow-cooked comfort food enthusiasts. This recipe takes succulent lamb shanks and bathes them in a robust sauce of crushed tomatoes, red wine, and beef stock, infused with aromatic garlic, rosemary, and thyme. What sets this dish apart is the generous use of whole garlic cloves, which simmer to tender perfection, adding depth and sweetness to every bite. Hints of cinnamon and oregano bring a uniquely Greek flair that’s both warm and inviting. Ideal for Sunday dinners or special occasions, this recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, orzo, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce. With just 20 minutes of preparation and a leisurely oven braise, you’ll have a show-stopping meal that’s both hearty and elegant.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:200 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces lamb shanks
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 12 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 large (diced) yellow onion
• 2 medium (sliced) carrots
• 2 medium (sliced) celery stalks
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Season the lamb shanks with salt and black pepper on all sides.

Step 4

Sear the lamb shanks in the oil until browned all over, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 5

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.

Step 6

Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.

Step 7

Add the garlic cloves (whole) and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 8

Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the wine reduce slightly.

Step 9

Add the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, lemon juice, cinnamon, dried oregano, bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme sprigs. Stir to combine.

Step 10

Return the seared lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Make sure they are mostly submerged in the liquid.

Step 11

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with its lid and transfer to the preheated oven.

Step 12

Cook for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the lamb shanks are tender and falling off the bone. Check halfway through cooking and add more stock if necessary to keep the lamb covered.

Step 13

Remove the pot from the oven and discard the bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme sprigs.

Step 14

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the lamb shanks with the sauce spooned over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or orzo for a hearty meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3598.2 grams (3598.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2024

Total Fat 102.40g	131%
Saturated Fat 31.20g	156%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 420mg	140%
Sodium 5111mg	222%
Total Carbohydrate 102.10g	37%
Dietary Fiber 27.20g	97%
Total Sugars 46.90g
Protein 133.60g	267%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 682mg	52%
Iron 25mg	136%
Potassium 5946mg	127%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.4%

Protein: 28.7%

Carbs: 21.9%