How to Cook James Martin Lamb Shanks: A Step-by-Step Guide
Lamb shanks are a popular dish, particularly in the UK, known for their tender and flavorful meat. If you want to whip up a batch of delicious and savory James Martin lamb shanks at home, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll be providing you with a step-by-step guide on how to cook these delightful lamb shanks that you can enjoy with your family and friends.
Introduction
Before we delve into the recipe, let’s first take a brief look at the history of James Martin lamb shanks. James Martin is an accomplished British chef, best known for his TV shows “Saturday Kitchen” and “Home Comforts”. His cooking style focuses on using traditional techniques but giving them modern flavors.
For many years now, lamb shanks have been one of Martin’s signature dishes because they’re packed with flavor and make for an excellent comfort food dish. By following this guide, you’ll soon be able to recreate James Martin’s lamb shank recipe in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering lamb shanks:
- 4 Lamb Shanks
- 2 Carrots (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 2 Celery Stalks (washed and roughly chopped)
- 2 Onions (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (peeled and finely chopped)
- 500ml Red Wine (preferably a full-bodied wine)
- 750ml Beef Stock
- A few sprigs of Rosemary
- A few sprigs of Thyme
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Black Pepper
Preparing the Lamb Shanks
Before you begin cooking, you need to prepare the lamb shanks properly.
- Trim any excess fat and sinew from the lamb shanks.
- Tie each lamb shank with cooking string; this will help them cook evenly.
- Season each lamb shank with salt and black pepper generously.
Searing The Lamb Shanks
The first step in cooking the lamb shanks is searing them.
- Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Place each lamb shank in the pan and cook for around 10 minutes or until they are browned on all sides.
- Remove the seared lamb shanks from the pan and keep them aside.
The Base For Your Lamb Shank Sauce
Now that you have set aside the seared lamb shanks, it’s time to create a flavorful base for your sauce.
- Add onions, garlic, celery, and carrots to the same frying pan used to sear the lamb shanks and cook until they have softened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning them.
- Add rosemary and thyme sprigs to the mix for added flavor. Stir well until everything is combined well together.
Making The Lamb Shank Sauce
It’s time now to add red wine and beef stock to your frying pan. This will make your sauce richer and more flavorful.
- Add red wine to the pan and use a spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
- Add beef stock to the mix and let it simmer on low heat for around 15-20 minutes or until it has thickened up to form a nice, tasty sauce.
Oven Cooking Time
Preheat your oven to 150C (300F). Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to cook the lamb shanks in the oven.
- Place the lamb shanks into an oven-safe pot or casserole dish.
- Pour over the sauce, making sure you coat each lamb shank evenly.
- Finally, cover the dish with a lid or foil and put it in your preheated oven.
Monitoring The Lamb Shanks
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of your lamb shanks. As a guide, let them cook for about three hours.
- Check on the lamb shanks regularly while they are cooking in the oven. If needed, add more stock or water to prevent the sauce from drying out while cooking.
Serving
Finally, it’s time to savor these delectable James Martin lamb shanks.
- Bring your lamb shanks out of the oven and remove any cooking string tied before serving.
- Plate up onto individual plates and then drizzle some of your lovely sauce over each plate.
- Serve hot with accompaniments like mashed potatoes, root vegetables, or crusty bread – serve up and enjoy!
Storing Extras
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. You can also freeze leftovers if you wish to keep them for longer.
To reheat, take the lamb shanks out of the fridge and place them in a baking dish and cover with foil. Preheat your oven to 150C (300F) and reheat until just hot.
Conclusion
By following this step-by-step guide, you can now cook James Martin lamb shanks like a pro! This classic British dish is loved by many, and now that you’ve got the recipe, you too can delight your family and friends with this flavorful dish.
Remember to season your lamb shanks generously with salt and black pepper, create a base for your sauce using onions, garlic, celery, and carrots, simmering red wine and beef stock into a savory sauce before slow cooking everything in the oven for few hours. Then savor and enjoy your cooked James Martin Lamb Shanks! #### Q: Can I use a slow cooker to cook James Martin lamb shanks?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker to cook James Martin lamb shanks. This is actually a great way to cook them because it allows the flavors to fully develop over an extended period of time. Just be sure to sear the lamb shanks first before adding them to the slow cooker for maximum flavor.
#### Q: What is the best wine to pair with James Martin lamb shanks?
When it comes to pairing wine with James Martin lamb shanks, you want to look for a full-bodied red wine with plenty of tannins. Some good options include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah. These bold wines will complement the richness of the lamb and help balance out any fatty or gamey flavors.
#### Q: How long do I need to cook James Martin lamb shanks for?
Cooking times for James Martin lamb shanks can vary depending on your preferred method and recipe. However, a general rule of thumb is to cook them low and slow for at least 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Remember, lamb shanks are a tougher cut of meat that require plenty of time and patience to get just right.
#### Q: What are some good sides to serve with James Martin lamb shanks?
There are many delicious side dishes that pair well with James Martin lamb shanks. Some popular options include roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, as well as creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. You could also serve a refreshing salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices from the lamb.
