Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Australian Native Pepperberry and Tomato
Rich lamb shanks braised slowly with native Australian pepperberry and ripe tomatoes for a deeply flavorful stew. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 210 minutes pairs about 300 g each lamb shanks, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 530 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, about 300 g each lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 400 g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp, crushed dried Australian native pepperberries
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat dry 4 lamb shanks and season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides for 8-10 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp crushed dried Australian native pepperberries, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 5: Pour in 400 g canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 cup red wine, stirring to combine and deglaze the pot.
- Step 6: Return the lamb shanks to the pot and tuck 2 fresh rosemary sprigs around them. Bring to a simmer, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Step 7: Braise the lamb for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Step 8: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Serve hot with the rich tomato and pepperberry sauce spooned over the lamb.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Australian Native Pepperberry and Tomato take to make?
Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 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 Australian Native Pepperberry and Tomato?
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 300 g each lamb shanks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Australian Native Pepperberry and Tomato?
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 Australian Native Pepperberry and Tomato 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 Australian Native Pepperberry and Tomato?
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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