This post is sponsored by Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker and Mirum Agency. The opinions stated are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Posh Journal cooking.
This easy recipe for slow cooked lamb shanks makes for a perfect meal to impress your guests at a holiday party or even Thanksgiving. When I’m at my busiest I always appreciate having my Crock-Pot Slow Cooker. It’s kind of like having a second cook in the kitchen, one that is specialized in bringing out the juicy best flavor combinations of meats, veggies and more. Lamb shanks are actually a wonderful dish to serve up at the holidays. For starters, it’s delicious tasting lamb! Lamb shanks also have a nice look to them, they sell themselves. When cooked in a Crock-Pot the lamb is so moist and tender. If you’re a fan of lamb osso buco or other variations where the meat just falls off the bone, then read on!
Especially during the holidays I am always pressed for time, especially when juggling four different dishes all with the same tight deadline. With my Crock-Pot I can get an early start on a dish by just adding the contents and letting it do its thing. Prep time is a snap and I’m back to work on other stuff, or maybe take a break! In addition to freed up time I also gain back some space on the stove and in the oven.
Per usual the slow cooker brings together all of the flavors, and this unique recipe has some great ones from the saffron to the nutmeg, the cardamom to the turmeric, and of course some good old onions and tomatoes. I think a key ingredient in this dish is cinnamon, which is especially fitting for a December holiday dinner. In a prior post I mentioned that I like to take some risks on Thanksgiving and break the norms a bit. If you aren’t in the mood for turkey then write your own Thanksgiving manual this year and try some lamb instead!
- 2 Lamb Shanks
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 whole tomatoes chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 3/4 cup red wine
- 1/3 teaspoon saffron
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- teaspoon optional : 1/2 dried rose flowers
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium skillet pan and cook the onion until fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium skillet pan and sear the lamb on all sides for about 5 minutes (until nicely browned on all sides). Transfer to the slow cooker.
Place tomato, tomato paste, cinnamon stick, nutmeg powder, cardamom, black pepper, ground turmeric, beef broth, saffron and (optional) dried flower into the slow cooker
- Stir together until the meat well coated and cook for 7-9 hours in low heat.
- Add salt/pepper to taste
Alli Rutherford Smith
Nov 23, 2016 at 2:31 amI didn’t grow up eating lamb and I’ve never cooked it before. I need to make my lamb cooking debut with your slow cooked lamb shanks. Looks so good and I know my family would love it. I always enjoy finding new crockpot recipes to add to my list.
Jeanette
Nov 23, 2016 at 5:23 amI think I would like to get this over the turkey on Thanksgiving! Wow does this look delicious. I have never tried but now I can’t wait to try.
Paula Schuck
Nov 23, 2016 at 5:38 amI absolutely love lamb. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try. It looks delicious AND easy. e
Jennifer
Nov 23, 2016 at 7:09 amThis looks and sounds delicious. I have not cooked lamb in years. it is one of my favorites too. I’ll have to try this recipe for myself.
mimicutelips
Nov 23, 2016 at 2:52 pmI’ve never made lamb before, but this looks delicious. I love using my slow cooker, I will add this recipe into my rotation.
Bella
Nov 23, 2016 at 4:52 pmThis recipe sounds absolutely delicious! I really like lamb but have never cooked it – a slow cooker is a great place to start.
Maureen @Scoops of Joy
Nov 23, 2016 at 7:48 pmThis looks so delicious and I love that you use slow cooker. I am a sucker for slow cooker and I’ve missed cooking with them. PS: Enak banget kayaknya! 😉
Ali Cummins
Nov 24, 2016 at 10:54 amThese lamb shanks look amazing. It would be perfect for the next get together with friends!
Fi Ni Neachtain
Nov 24, 2016 at 11:08 amMy other half would absolutely love that for dinner. You’ve really made me want to get a Crockpot for myself!
Ave Hla
Nov 24, 2016 at 2:09 pmThose slow cooked lamb shanks look absolutely mouthwatering! I wish I had an slow cooker. I think I’ll have to add it to my Christmas wish list.
Making Our Life Matter
Nov 25, 2016 at 6:53 amI never made lamb on my own. This recipe looks amazing, and I think I may have to try it very soon! Thanks for sharing.
Garf
Nov 25, 2016 at 8:05 amThis sounds good. I never had lamb but would like to try some.
Jennifer L Johnson
Nov 25, 2016 at 10:59 amI have never had ham before!! This looks so good, love that they are made in the slow cooker!!
Michele d
Nov 26, 2016 at 4:28 amI’ve never made lamb shanks before. I don’t think that my family would eat it to be honest but it looks so yummy cooking in the crock pot.
Chubskulit Rose
Nov 26, 2016 at 7:24 amI have never tried cooking any kind of lamb dish. This looks super delicious!
Anosa
Nov 26, 2016 at 11:10 amI am using my slow cooker more and more these days and just used it for some lamb. This looks really delicious
Rachael
Apr 17, 2018 at 10:58 pmHi, you mention above that there’s wonderful flavours such as turmeric and cardamom but you don’t list cardamom in the recipe itself…should it be and if so, how much?
Making this recipe in two days and I can’t wait!!!
rika agustini
Apr 17, 2018 at 11:10 pmHi Rachael, Thanks for letting me know about this. Luckily I kept the recipe on my cooking journal.
I just reinserted the missing ingredients. I believe this error happened during transfering from my old recipe card to a new one.
Rachael
Apr 19, 2018 at 11:23 amHi, thank you for your speedy reply! I was wondering if this can be done on high for a shorter amount of time?
rika agustini
Apr 19, 2018 at 11:30 amYes on high about 3-4 hours. 🙂