Braised Lamb Shanks with Dates and Apricots

Name: Braised Lamb Shanks with Dates and Apricots
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: North African
Ingredients: 4 shanks lamb shanks; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup pitted dates, halved; 1/2 cup dried apricots; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Tender lamb shanks braised low and slow in a North African spiced broth with dates and dried apricots. Sweet and savory, fall-off-the-bone tender, perfect with couscous or bread.

140 minMediumServes 4580 cal/serving

North AfricanDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

4 shanks lamb shanks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup pitted dates, halved
1/2 cup dried apricots
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat 4 shanks lamb shanks dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
2

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, about 10 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
3

Add 1 large sliced yellow onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more.
4

Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp ground turmeric. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
5

Pour in 4 cups beef broth and return the lamb shanks to the pot. Add 1/2 cup halved pitted dates and 1/2 cup dried apricots. Bring to a simmer.
6

Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the meat is extremely tender and falls easily from the bone (internal temperature 190-195°F).
7

Remove from oven and skim any excess fat from the surface. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
8

Serve the lamb shanks with the braising liquid and fruit spooned over couscous or with crusty bread.

Questions

How long does Braised Lamb Shanks with Dates and Apricots keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Braised Lamb Shanks with Dates and Apricots?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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