Slow-Braised Indian-Spiced Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Yogurt

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb shanks slow-braised in a fragrant tomato and yogurt sauce infused with traditional Indian spices. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 170 minutes pairs about 8 oz each lamb shanks, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 lamb shanks with 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown lamb shanks on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until soft and golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp ginger paste and 1 tbsp garlic paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1 tsp red chili powder, mixing well for 30 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cinnamon stick and 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return lamb shanks to the pot, add 1 cup plain yogurt and 1 cup water, stirring gently to mix. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until lamb is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove cinnamon stick, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the dish, and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Indian-Spiced Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Yogurt take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Braised Indian-Spiced Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Yogurt?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep about 8 oz each lamb shanks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Indian-Spiced Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Yogurt?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Braised Indian-Spiced Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Yogurt for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Braised Indian-Spiced Lamb Shanks with Tomato and Yogurt?

Indian lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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