Lamb shanks, sweetly spiced and ready for spring
A zest of orange and a shower of freshly snipped herbs help lighten this dish
Sturdy, earthy lamb shanks are worthy vehicles for any number of seasonal flavours and preparations, whether a dark mix of mushrooms and red wine, or lighter, brighter citrus notes.
Personally, I like them boiled. Well, not boiled exactly, but simmered in a pot of water on the stove.
You may have been taught that lamb shanks must first be browned, then slowly braised — a fine way to cook them. But you can also get wonderful results skipping that first step. For instance, I have seen some recipes that call for a single lamb shank added to a long-cooked vegetable soup, just as you would with a ham hock or a few chicken legs to add meatiness.
But for something bigger — a hearty main course — I first season the shanks with salt and pepper, cover them with water in a large pot, toss in a few aromatics, and let it all simmer gently for an hour and a half or so, until the meat is tender. In the process, the water becomes a delicious broth, which is then used to make a sauce.
However, a whole, bone-in shank on a dinner plate can look gargantuan, even intimidating. So, once the shanks are tender, I like to pull the cooked meat off. The finished dish, thus tamed, can seem more civilized, less Stone Age. You can do this several hours before completing the dish, up to a day or two in advance.
Rather than a deep, wintry braise, I wanted something lighter for the beginning of spring. Opting for orange and honey, along with a few sweet spices, like clove, coriander and a touch of saffron, seemed right. The zest of one orange, peeled in wide strips, and a half-cup of orange juice proved to be plenty for an intense back note.
A splash of white wine also supplied acidity.
A shower of freshly snipped herbs — dill, mint, parsley, basil — brightens the dish just before serving. A bouquet of buttersteamed spring vegetables (carrots and turnips for now, peas and asparagus tips soon) is a welcome accompaniment.
Spiced Lamb Shanks with Orange and Honey
Makes 6 to 8 servings
For the lamb shanks:
6 meaty lamb shanks (about 6 pounds total)
Salt and pepper 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1⁄2 tsp fennel seeds 1⁄2 tsp coriander seeds
1 large onion, cut into thick slices
2 whole cloves
1 thyme sprig
1 bay leaf
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced (about 1 1⁄2 cups)
Salt and pepper
1 tsp minced garlic
Pinch saffron
Pinch cayenne
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp honey
Zest of 1 orange, peeled into wide strips 1⁄2 cup orange juice 1⁄2 cup white wine
1 tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water For serving:
2 tbsp butter
1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch batons
1 pound turnips, peeled and cut into wedges
Salt
2 tbsp roughly chopped parsley 2 tbsp roughly chopped mint 2 tbsp roughly chopped dill Handful of small basil leaves
Total time: About 2½ hours
1. Cook the lamb shanks: Season shanks generously with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large pot and add cumin seed, fennel seed, coriander seed, onion, cloves, thyme and bay leaf. Pour in enough water to cover shanks, place pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Put on the lid, reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 to 1½ hours, until meat is very tender when probed with the tip of a paring knife.
2. Remove shanks from pot and place on a baking sheet to cool. Strain the broth into a bowl, and skim off any rising fat. Measure 4½ cups broth and set aside. When shanks are cool enough to handle, gently remove the bone from each with your hands, leaving the meat in one or two large pieces.
3. Make the sauce: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until softened and slightly browned. Add garlic, saffron, cayenne, tomato paste and honey and stir to incorporate.
4. Add orange zest, orange juice, broth and wine to the pot, and bring to a boil. Turn heat to a brisk simmer and return the meat to the pot. Simmer for 20 minutes, until broth has reduced by an inch or so. Taste broth and adjust seasoning. Add arrowroot mixture and cook for a minute or two, until slightly thickened.
5. Meanwhile, cook the vegetables: In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Fill the pot with 1 inch of water. Add carrots and turnips, salt lightly, cover and turn heat to high. Cook for 10 minutes, or until probed with the tip of a paring knife.
6. To serve, transfer meat and sauce to a large, deep platter or serving dish. With a slotted spoon arrange vegetables around the meat. Sprinkle with parsley, mint, dill and basil.