Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Aniseed Myrtle and Roasted Root Vegetables
Fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks slowly braised with aromatic aniseed myrtle and served alongside caramelized roasted root vegetables for a hearty meal. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs (about 1500 g total) lamb shanks, ground aniseed myrtle, medium, cut into chunks carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 1500 g total) lamb shanks
- 2 tsp, ground aniseed myrtle
- 3 medium, cut into chunks carrot
- 2 medium, cut into chunks parsnip
- 1 large, cut into chunks sweet potato
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, sliced onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) red wine
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef stock
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Rub 4 lamb shanks evenly with 2 tsp ground aniseed myrtle, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat and brown lamb shanks on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 sliced large onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Deglaze the pot with 1 cup red wine, scraping up browned bits, then add 2 cups beef stock and 2 sprigs fresh rosemary. Return lamb shanks to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2.5 hours until lamb is tender.
- Step 4: While the lamb cooks, toss 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped parsnips, and 1 chopped sweet potato with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 40 minutes, turning halfway, until caramelized and tender.
- Step 5: Serve the lamb shanks over the roasted root vegetables, spooning some braising liquid over the top for extra flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Aniseed Myrtle and Roasted Root Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 200 minutes (20 min prep + 180 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-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Aniseed Myrtle and Roasted Root Vegetables?
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 ground aniseed myrtle from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Aniseed Myrtle and Roasted Root Vegetables?
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 Roasted Root Vegetables 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 Roasted Root Vegetables?
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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