Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Wattleseed and Aniseed Myrtle
Rich and tender lamb shanks braised slowly with aromatic wattleseed and aniseed myrtle, infused with Australian native spices for a warming, hearty meal. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 210 minutes pairs about 1 lb each lamb shanks, olive oil, large, diced onion 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 1 lb each lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 3 medium, chopped carrots
- 2, chopped celery stalks
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, ground wattleseed
- 2 tsp, crushed aniseed myrtle leaves
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 3 cups beef or lamb stock
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy ovenproof pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Season 4 lamb shanks with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Brown the shanks in the pot, turning occasionally for 8-10 minutes until deep golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 large diced onion, 3 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Cook over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground wattleseed, 2 tsp crushed aniseed myrtle leaves, and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, simmering until reduced by half (about 5 minutes).
- Step 6: Return lamb shanks to the pot, add 3 cups beef or lamb stock and 2 sprigs fresh rosemary. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 7: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven. Cook low and slow for 3 hours until lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
- Step 8: Remove shanks, skim fat from sauce, and reduce sauce on stove if needed before serving lamb with sauce spooned over.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Wattleseed and Aniseed Myrtle 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 Wattleseed and Aniseed Myrtle?
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 1 lb each lamb shanks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Wattleseed and Aniseed Myrtle?
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 Wattleseed and Aniseed Myrtle 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 Wattleseed and Aniseed Myrtle?
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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