Makes 6 servings
Hands-on-time: 30 minutes
Total preparation time: 1 1/2 hours
18 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 parsnips, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 all-purpose potatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 sweet onions, coarsely chopped
Extra virgin olive oil
6 lamb shanks
1 cup red wine
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons roasted garlic puree
5 bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried Greek oregano
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
6 sprigs fresh thyme
Kosher salt
Finely milled black pepper
1 pound orzo
2 tablespoons chopped fine herbs (dill, parsley, and mint)
Combine the garlic, celery, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and onions in the bowl of a food processor; pulse to combine and set aside.
Heat a large braising pan over medium high heat, add enough olive oil to coat bottom of pan with oil. Add the lamb shanks and brown well on all sides; remove to a sheet pan. Add the chopped vegetables to the drippings in the pan and saute for 2 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil, stirring to deglaze the pan.
Add the lamb, tomato paste, vinegar, garlic puree, bay leaves, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and desired amount of salt and pepper; add enough water to cover the lamb. Bring to boil, reduce to low and cover leaving lid slightly ajar so steam can escape. Simmer for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until meat is tender.
Remove 2 cups of the braising liquid to a small saucepan. Add the orzo and enough water to completely cover. Cook according to package instructions.
To serve, divide the orzo onto 6 dinner plates. Top each with a lamb shank and some of the vegetables and sauce. Sprinkle each with some fine herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
I watched the show last night and the recipes were so easy and healthful. I can’t wait to make them.
Sara,
I loved this episode. You were so UN-egotistical (is that a word?) UN-like some other chefs who have to control their guests’ every word and block out their attempts at speaking. I can’t remember exactly what it was that you said to Michael, but I was very impressed with the way you conversed with him. At the end, you even asked him if you could taste the meatball soup. It made me laugh. I’m going to try the lamb shanks dish because lamb is my favorite meat. My personal belief is that lamb doesn’t need anything except salt and pepper and that anything just detracts from the lamb’s wonderful flavor, but Michael made this dish look sooooo tantalizing that I just have to try it. The vegetable dish looked good too and I may try that also. The meatball dish I’ve already tried about a week or so ago. Another chef (Lydia?) made a similar dish. I wasn’t that crazy about it although it looked good at the time.
Best of luck with your show,
Marcy