Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Wattleseed and Bush Tomato
Tender lamb shanks slow-braised in a rich sauce infused with native wattleseed and tangy bush tomatoes, capturing the essence of Australian bush flavors. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 200 minutes pairs shanks (about 8 oz each) lamb shanks, olive oil, large onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 shanks (about 8 oz each) lamb shanks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp wattleseed, ground
- 1/2 cup dried bush tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef or lamb stock
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 1/2 tsp sea 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. Season 4 lamb shanks (about 8 oz each) with 1 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then brown the shanks on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, until golden.
- Step 2: Remove lamb and set aside. In the same pot, add 1 large diced onion, 2 diced medium carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp ground wattleseed, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped dried bush tomatoes and 2 tbsp tomato paste, then pour in 1 cup red wine, simmering for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 4: Return lamb shanks to the pot and add 2 cups beef or lamb stock along with 2 fresh rosemary sprigs. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly, and transfer to the oven. Braise for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Step 5: Remove shanks and rosemary sprigs from the pot. Skim any excess fat from the sauce, then reduce sauce over medium heat on the stovetop if needed until thickened to coat the back of a spoon. Serve lamb shanks topped with the rich wattleseed and bush tomato sauce.
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 Bush Tomato 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 Wattleseed and Bush 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Shanks with Wattleseed and Bush 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 Wattleseed and Bush 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 Wattleseed and Bush 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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