Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Bush Tomato and Quandong Sauce
Tender lamb shanks slowly braised in a rich sauce made from Australian bush tomatoes and tart quandongs, creating a harmonious balance of savory and fruity flavors. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 215 minutes blends about 300 g each lamb shanks, olive oil, large, finely chopped onion 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, about 300 g each lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 1/2 cup, chopped dried bush tomatoes
- 3/4 cup quandong fruit puree
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Season 4 lamb shanks with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then brown on all sides for 8-10 minutes until deep golden. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup chopped dried bush tomatoes and stir for 2 minutes to release flavors.
- Step 4: Pour in 3/4 cup quandong fruit puree, 2 cups beef stock, and 1 cup red wine. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Return the lamb shanks to the pot, nestle them in the sauce, and add 2 sprigs fresh rosemary on top.
- Step 6: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 3 hours until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
- Step 7: Remove lamb shanks from the pot and keep warm. Reduce the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened and glossy. Serve lamb shanks drizzled with the bush tomato and quandong sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Bush Tomato and Quandong Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 215 minutes (25 min prep + 190 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 Bush Tomato and Quandong Sauce?
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 Bush Tomato and Quandong Sauce?
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 Bush Tomato and Quandong Sauce 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 Bush Tomato and Quandong Sauce?
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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