Savoury-lamb-shanks

Willie's Cacao - Braised Lamb Shanks

This dish screams Spring and Easter. In this recipe, the cacao brings lamb shanks and potato mash to a whole other level. I would suggest using 100% cacao to reveal a whole other layer of flavors. The gremolata perfectly refreshes the dish while the sauce harmonizes the different elements. Don't be surprised if you are asked for multiple servings!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Keyword: Braised, Comfort Food, hearty, savory
Difficulty: Intermediate
Brand: Willie's Cacao
Seasonal: Easter, Spring
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the lamb shanks

  • 4 lamb shanks
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 shallots finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves finely sliced
  • 1 stick celery finely chopped
  • 1/2 carrot finely chopped
  • 100 g bacon finely chopped
  • 400 g canned whole tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • ½ bottle white wine of white wine
  • 500 ml veal, chicken or lamb stock
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 50 g Willie’s Cacao Sambirano Madagascar 100% Cocoa Mass grated
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the gremolata

  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 large garlic clove minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest finely grated

For the garnish

  • 4 4 baby leeks
  • 100 g bacon cut in strips
  • olive oil to taste
  • knob butter to taste

For the cacao mash

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180C
  • Prepare the lamb by using a sharp knife to loosen the meat a little from the bone. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole on the hob and brown off the lamb shanks
  • Remove the shanks from the casserole and set aside. Turn down the heat and add the shallots, garlic, celery, carrot and bacon and fry for 3-5 minutes until soft.
  • Add wine and bring to the boil then add the herbs, tomato puree, stock and return to the boil.
  • Return the lamb shanks to the casserole, bring to a simmer, then cover and place in the oven 2-3 hours or until lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
  • Remove the lamb and leave to rest.
  • Place the casserole over a medium heat and cook until the sauce is reduce by half, skimming off any fat. Season with salt and pepper and the grated cacao.
  • For the cacao mash, place the potatoes into a large saucepan and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt, place on the heat and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until tender.
  • Drain well and return to the pan over a low heat for a few seconds to remove any excess moisture.
  • Using a potato masher or ricer, mash well, adding the melted butter. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and cacao.
  • For the garnish, heat the olive oil in a frying pan and cook the vegetables for about 3 minutes. Then add a knob of butter.
  • For the gremolata combine all the ingredients.
  • To serve put each lamb shank on a small mound of cacao mash, pour over the sauce, add the garnish, and sprinkle over the gremolata

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