I remember the first time I made lamb shanks. It was one of those meals I was intimidated by-fancy, rich, and something you’d order in a restaurant. But when I took the plunge and made it myself, I discovered it wasn’t as complicated as it seemed. The slow cooker made all the difference. Instead of spending hours over a stove, I could just set it and forget it. My kitchen filled with the most mouthwatering aroma, and I realized lamb shanks were one of those dishes that made me feel like a pro in the kitchen without the stress.
That’s when I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s recipe for slow cooker lamb shanks. It became an instant hit in my home. The tenderness of the meat, the depth of flavors, and how little effort was needed blew me away. Ever since then, it’s been one of my go-to recipes for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever I want to impress someone without breaking a sweat.
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s slow cooker lamb shanks recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and bold flavors. It’s comforting, hearty, and makes your house smell incredible. What’s even better? It’s practically foolproof. The slow cooker takes care of all the hard work, transforming a humble cut of lamb into something tender and flavorful.
Here’s a breakdown of the recipe that has won over my kitchen:
- Lamb shanks: The star of the show. Lamb shanks are the lower portion of the leg, rich in connective tissue and flavor. Slow cooking breaks down the fat and collagen, making the meat fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Garlic and onions: These are staples in almost every dish. For lamb shanks, they bring out that savory depth and sweetness as they cook low and slow.
- Herbs and spices: Think rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and a hint of paprika for a touch of smokiness.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and sometimes parsnips, which help to balance the richness of the lamb with a subtle sweetness.
Ingredients Needed
The list of ingredients is simple, but they come together to create something special. Here’s what you’ll need for Jamie Oliver’s slow cooker lamb shanks recipe:
- Lamb shanks (2-4, depending on size and servings)
- Olive oil (for searing the lamb)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 2 sticks of celery (chopped)
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes (400g)
- 1 cup red wine (you can substitute with beef broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley or mint (for garnish)
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
This is where the magic happens. I love how easy this recipe is. Here’s how I make it:
- Sear the lamb: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, and brown them on all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives the meat a beautiful golden crust. After searing, transfer the lamb to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the base: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and smoked paprika. Let the spices bloom for a minute or two.
- Deglaze and simmer: Add the red wine to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This is where you get all that delicious flavor. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slow cook: Pour the vegetable and wine mixture over the lamb shanks in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the lamb is falling off the bone.
- Final touches: Once the lamb is done, remove the shanks from the slow cooker and cover with foil to keep warm. If the sauce is too thin, pour it into a pot and simmer until it thickens. Serve the lamb shanks with the sauce spooned over the top and garnish with fresh parsley or mint.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role, but some are especially important when it comes to how the dish turns out.
- Lamb shanks: The collagen and fat in lamb shanks break down during slow cooking, making the meat incredibly tender. This is what gives lamb shanks their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Red wine: It’s not just for flavor. Wine has acids that help break down the meat and add depth to the sauce. Plus, it complements the lamb beautifully.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a smoky layer to the dish. The slow cooking process allows this spice to infuse the meat and sauce, giving it a complex, earthy flavor.
- Carrots and celery: Both of these vegetables add natural sweetness, balancing the richness of the lamb and the acidity from the tomatoes and wine.
Expert Tips
From my personal experience, these tips will elevate your slow cooker lamb shanks:
- Searing is key: Don’t skip the searing step. It’s what creates a crust on the meat, sealing in all the juiciness and flavor.
- Let the slow cooker do the work: Once you’ve set everything up, resist the urge to keep checking on it. The longer the lamb cooks slowly, the more tender it gets.
- Use a good red wine: The wine flavor is a key component of this dish. Don’t skimp on quality. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but make sure it’s something you’d actually drink.
- Skim the fat: Once the lamb is done cooking, the fat can separate in the sauce. Skim it off to keep the dish lighter and more balanced.
Recipe Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few variations I’ve tried:
- Add potatoes: Throw in some baby potatoes about halfway through the cooking time. They’ll soak up the rich sauce and make for a heartier meal.
- Switch the herbs: If you don’t have rosemary or thyme, try fresh oregano or marjoram for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spicy lamb shanks: Add a chopped red chili or some chili flakes to the sauce if you prefer a little heat.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the lamb with portobello mushrooms or large eggplant chunks. These absorb the sauce beautifully and create a vegetarian version of the dish.
Final Words
Lamb shanks in the slow cooker are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal. Jamie Oliver’s recipe is a life-saver for anyone who wants to make something impressive without a lot of effort. The best part? You can set it and forget it, knowing that at the end of the day, a delicious, tender meal will be waiting for you.
Whether you’re new to cooking lamb or an experienced home chef, this recipe is a winner. It’s a hands-off way to create something that feels like a special occasion meal. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be hooked.
FAQs
How Long Do Lamb Shanks Take In A Slow Cooker?
Lamb shanks usually take about 6 to 8 hours on low heat in a slow cooker, or 4 to 5 hours on high.
Can I Use Bone-in Lamb Shanks For Jamie Oliver’s Recipe?
Yes, bone-in lamb shanks work perfectly for this recipe and add extra flavor to the dish.
What Side Dishes Go Well With Slow-cooked Lamb Shanks?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad pair really well with the rich flavors of slow-cooked lamb shanks.