Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Quandong and Pepperberry Reduction
Tender slow-braised lamb shanks simmered in a rich sauce infused with native quandong fruit and pepperberry for a distinctive Australian stew. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs about 350 g each lamb shanks, olive oil, peeled and chopped carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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 350 g each lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2, peeled and chopped carrots
- 2, chopped celery stalks
- 1 large, chopped onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1/3 cup quandong fruit jam
- 1 tsp, crushed dried pepperberries
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Season 4 lamb shanks with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat and brown lamb shanks on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 large chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté over medium heat for 6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly. Pour in 1 cup red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping browned bits from the bottom, and simmer for 5 minutes until reduced by half.
- Step 4: Return lamb shanks to the pot and add 2 cups beef stock, 1/3 cup quandong fruit jam, 1 tsp crushed dried pepperberries, and 2 sprigs fresh rosemary.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover the pot, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until lamb is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Remove rosemary sprigs and serve lamb shanks with the reduced sauce spooned over, accompanied by mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Quandong and Pepperberry Reduction 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 Quandong and Pepperberry Reduction?
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 350 g each lamb shanks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Quandong and Pepperberry Reduction?
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 Quandong and Pepperberry Reduction 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 Quandong and Pepperberry Reduction?
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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