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Simple Joyful Food

small ideas that add joy to life

main dish

Braising lamb shanks is not difficult.

February 6, 2013 Leave a Comment
You have to wonder why lamb shanks are not cooked more often by home cooks or why this succulent dish doesn’t make it to a fine restaurant dinner menu.

It can’t be because it is difficult to make.  It is so simple and failproof.

It can’t be because it isn’t pleasing to the eyes. It’s gorgeous and a sight to behold.

nwafoodie lamb shanks braised easy not difficult

 It can’t be because the taste is unappealing.  It has more depth and flavor than a filet mignon.

It can’t be because it is a gamble to serve guests who are turned off by meat with a bone.  Debone it and you have a dainty fare.

nwafoodie braised lamb shanks deboned easy not difficult

 So what is it?  Why aren’t we making lamb shanks more often?

Perhaps you don’t know what it is.  Lamb shanks are part of the leg bone and part of the round shoulder bone. It is covered by a thin layer of fat and a thin, paperlike covering.

nwafoodie what does lamb shank look like

Perhaps you don’t know how to prepare it. Don’t feel bad because I did not either.  I guessed braising them – since that paperlike covering is so tough and there is a bone in it, after all.  Bones just beg to be braised.  From there I wasn’t exactly sure what came next… so I googled it.  I quickly dismissed all the “corporate” recipe sites like the food network.  I wanted to learn how to make my first lamb shank from a real person.  Someone who has a love for the shank.  Someone with a story.  I found it from a blogger whose only profile information says he is a “retired American, ex-business man now living in rural France.” Perfect.  I highly recommend his recipe version of lamb shanks for your first venture.

Perhaps you don’t know where to buy a lamb shank.  Fair enough.  It is not like Walmart carries it.  Or Fresh Market. Sometimes, in a blue moon, Allens Market in Bella Vista has them.  You can always ask your local butcher but better yet… find a local lamb farm in your area.  In Northwest Arkansas, we are lucky to have Olive Ewe Lamb Farm in Lowell.  In October 2011 I purchased some meat from them and blogged about the farm. They have butchered lamb ready for purchase and spring lambs are just around the corner.

Easy peasy.

Braising lamb shanks is a conversation piece.  It is hearty yet delicate.  It has the wow factor.  Best of all, it is so completely doable, whether you are a novice cook or a seasoned chef.  In fact, I challenge you to braise lamb shanks before the winter is over.  I’ll even give you until springtime.  I want a full report and yes, photos, please!

Happy braising!

Lyndi

Eat well, my friends. Eat well.

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My name is Lyndi Fultz, and I live in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, which span Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri.

I like to share small ideas for living simply and eating happily.

You will find that I talk a lot about food because we all need to eat. Why not add little bits of food joy where possible?

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“Just like becoming an expert in wine–you learn by drinking it, the best you can afford–you learn about great food by finding the best there is, whether simply or luxurious. Then you savor it, analyze it, and discuss it with your companions, and you compare it with other experiences.” – Julia Child

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