🍷🎄 Christmas Braised Lamb Shanks – Elegant, Tender & Holiday-Worthy!

These lamb shanks cook low and slow until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender, soaking up a rich red wine, herb, and tomato sauce. Cozy, luxurious, and perfect for a festive Christmas dinner!

📋 ingredients:

• 4 lamb shanks

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 carrots, chopped

• 3 celery stalks, chopped

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup red wine (or broth if you prefer)

• 3 cups beef or lamb broth

• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 fresh rosemary sprigs

• 3–4 thyme sprigs

• 2 bay leaves

• Optional: 1–2 tsp smoked paprika

• Optional: zest of 1 orange for a subtle Christmas touch

🥣 directions:

sear the lamb

Season lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven.

Sear lamb on all sides until deep golden brown. Remove and set aside.

build the base

In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery.

Cook until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

Stir in tomato paste and paprika if using; let it cook until darkened.

deglaze

Pour in red wine and scrape up the browned bits.

Let it simmer 2–3 minutes.

braise

Add crushed tomatoes, broth, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and orange zest if using.

Return lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them into the liquid.

Cover and braise in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 2 1/2–3 hours, until meltingly tender.

finish

Remove herbs and skim excess fat if needed.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

serve

Place each lamb shank over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttered noodles.

Spoon that rich holiday sauce all over the top.

💡 tips:
• Add 1 cup mushrooms for earthy flavor
• Make a day ahead — the flavor gets even better
• Serve with garlic mashed potatoes or crusty bread
⏲ prep time: 15 mins | cook time: 2 1/2–3 hrs
serves: 4