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Alyssa

Crockpot Lamb Shank

Enjoy our easy Crockpot Lamb Shank recipe! It's tasty, perfect for any day, and brings a special flavor to your table. Try it out and love every bite!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Moroccan-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds 600g lamb shank, bone-in: The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and tender meat.
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken stock: Forms the base of the sauce adding depth and moisture.
  • 1 white onion chopped: Adds sweetness and aroma to the dish.
  • 1 cup dried apricot halves: Introduces a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
  • 1/2 cup dried golden raisins: Complements the apricots with their sweetness and plump texture.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Offers richness and a hint of tanginess.
  • 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the savory flavors with its natural sweetness.
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides a warm earthy note.
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds a citrusy floral touch.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Introduces a gentle heat.
  • 8 garlic cloves minced: Infuses the dish with a pungent, aromatic flavor.
  • 2 cinnamon sticks: Impart a sweet woody aroma.
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro for serving: Adds a fresh, herby finish.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for serving: Brightens the dish with a zesty note.

Method
 

  1. Begin by stirring together the chicken or beef stock, onion, apricots, raisins, tomato paste, honey, salt, cumin, coriander, cayenne, garlic, and cinnamon sticks in your slow cooker.
  2. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shank on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes, to lock in the flavors and juices.
  3. Transfer the browned lamb shank to the slow cooker, nestling it among the other ingredients. Cover and set to cook on LOW for approximately 8 hours, until the lamb is tender and falls off the bone.
  4. Once cooked, remove the cinnamon sticks. Stir in the fresh cilantro and lemon juice just before serving to add a burst of freshness and acidity.

Notes

  • Tips: For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the lamb shank overnight with some of the spices and garlic. Also, deglazing the skillet after browning the meat and adding those juices to the slow cooker can introduce additional layers of flavor.
  • Notes: If you find the dish too spicy, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. The recipe is adaptable to your heat preference.