Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Aniseed Myrtle and Quandong Chutney
Tender lamb shanks slowly braised with fragrant aniseed myrtle and served with a sweet-tart quandong chutney reflecting Australian bush flavors. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes blends finely chopped aniseed myrtle leaves, fresh or frozen, chopped quandong fruit, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 shanks (about 1.5 lbs total) lamb shanks
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped aniseed myrtle leaves
- 1 cup fresh or frozen, chopped quandong fruit
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 1 large, chopped onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 4 lamb shanks (total about 1.5 lbs) with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp finely chopped aniseed myrtle leaves.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides for 6-8 minutes until deep golden.
- Step 3: Remove lamb from pot. Add 1 large chopped onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Deglaze the pot with 1 cup red wine, scraping up browned bits. Add 2 cups beef broth and return lamb shanks to the pot.
- Step 5: Cover pot with lid and place in oven. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until lamb is fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Step 6: While lamb cooks, prepare chutney: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup chopped quandong fruit and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Simmer gently for 20 minutes until thick and jammy.
- Step 7: Serve the lamb shanks hot, spooned with aniseed myrtle-infused braising juices and accompanied by the sweet-tart quandong chutney.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Aniseed Myrtle and Quandong Chutney take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Aniseed Myrtle and Quandong Chutney?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Aniseed Myrtle and Quandong Chutney?
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-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Aniseed Myrtle and Quandong Chutney 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-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Aniseed Myrtle and Quandong Chutney?
Australian 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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