How to Cook Juicy Lamb Shanks in a Crockpot

Lamb shanks are cut from the shoulder and arm of aand juicy. This is a simple crockpot recipe but it does
sheep and they contain part of the round shoulderhave quite a long cooking time so you will need to start
bone and some leg bone. Lamb shanks are covered init first thing in the morning.
a thin fat layer and they do well when braised orWhat you will need:
cooked slowly in liquid, making them perfect for- 6 lbs lamb shanks
crockpot cooking.- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Lamb is richly flavored and red in color. It is a good- 1 cup dry red wine
source of protein and vitamin B. If you prefer a mild- 2 tablespoons olive oil
flavor choose foreleg shanks. If you prefer a stronger- 2 onions, cut into wedges
flavor opt for rear leg shanks. Lamb can be braised or- 1 diced carrot
slow cooked in wine, broth or water. You can braise- 1 lb sliced mushrooms
them in the oven if you do not have a slow cooker.- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How to Choose and Store Fresh Lamb- 4 minced garlic cloves
Dark red lamb is likely to be less tender and less fresh- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
than dark pink lamb, which is handy to know. Choose- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
lamb shanks which have marbled white fat all over- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
and deeply colored pink meat for the best results.- 3 tablespoons Dijon wholegrain mustard
USDA-graded lamb graded "choice" or "prime" isHow to make it:
recommended because these are superior cuts whichSaute the lamb shanks in the oil in a skillet over a
will be flavorful and tender. If you are going to takemoderate to high heat. Turn them often, cooking them
longer than an hour to get the lamb from the butcheruntil they are browned all over. Transfer the lamb to a
or store to your home, pack it on ice to keep it fresh.crockpot. Add the onions.
Keep lamb in a plastic bag or container, away fromMix together the mustard, salt, pepper, wine, vinegar,
other items in the refrigerator. You can refrigerategarlic, rosemary and parsley. Add the carrots and
fresh lamb for up to five days in its original packaging.mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly,
Alternatively you can freeze lamb shanks for up tofor five minutes.
nine months in freezer bags. If you want to do this,Transfer the vegetable mixture to the crockpot, then
freeze it within three or four days of buying it.pour the wine mixture into the skillet and scrape up
Recipe for Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks with Wine andany stuck-on bits, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
HerbsPour it into the crockpot. Cover and cook for two
This delicious lamb shanks recipe serves four to sixhours on high, then six to eight hours on low.
people and it is really flavorful. The lamb is so tender