Mary Berry’s lamb shanks are slow-cooked in a rich and aromatic sauce made from red wine, vegetables, and herbs. The lamb becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, with the braising liquid transforming into a luxurious sauce. This dish is ideal for serving with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish over medium heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, remove the shanks from the pan and set them aside.
In the same dish, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and turn golden.
Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the dish with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the beef or lamb stock, tomato paste, bay leaves, and rosemary. Return the lamb shanks to the casserole dish, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
Cover the casserole dish with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook the lamb shanks for 2½ to 3 hours, turning them halfway through. The lamb is ready when it’s tender and easily falls off the bone.
If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the lamb shanks from the casserole dish and cover them to keep warm. Place the dish on the stovetop over medium heat and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Serve the lamb shanks with the rich sauce poured over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and pair with mashed potatoes, polenta, or your favorite side dishes.