Slow-Cooked Turkish Lamb Shank with Vegetables

This slow-cooked Turkish lamb shank with vegetables is the perfect dish for a special occasion or a comforting family meal. The lamb becomes incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking, absorbing all the aromatic spices and flavors. Paired with hearty vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and full of rich, savory flavors. Let’s dive into this traditional Turkish recipe!

What You’ll Need:

• 4 lamb shanks

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 1 cup tomato puree

• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm depth of flavor)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for added brightness)

Step 1: Sear the Lamb Shanks

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, sear the lamb shanks on all sides until browned (about 5-7 minutes). This helps develop a rich, savory crust on the lamb, enhancing the flavor.

Why it works: Searing the lamb locks in the juices and adds depth of flavor, creating a rich, caramelized exterior that will complement the slow-cooked flavors.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or slow cooker, heat a little more olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Then add the carrots and potatoes, and sauté for another 2 minutes.

Why it works: Sautéing the vegetables with the onions and garlic builds a flavorful base for the stew, making sure the vegetables are infused with all the savory aromas.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Puree and Spices

Stir in the tomato puree, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the spices to bloom and blend with the tomato.

Why it works: Adding tomato puree and spices at this stage gives the dish its rich, hearty flavor. The spices infuse the broth, making it deeply flavorful.

Step 4: Add the Lamb Shanks and Broth

Place the seared lamb shanks into the pot, then pour in the broth and add the bay leaf. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Alternatively, transfer everything to a slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours.

Why it works: Slow-cooking the lamb allows it to become incredibly tender, as the meat absorbs all the flavors from the broth, vegetables, and spices.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Lamb

Let the lamb shanks cook low and slow for 3-4 hours on the stovetop or 6-8 hours in the slow cooker, until the lamb is tender and falls off the bone easily. Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper, if necessary.

Why it works: Slow cooking allows the meat to absorb all the flavors and break down the tough fibers, making the lamb incredibly tender and flavorful.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the lamb is tender, remove the shanks from the pot and arrange them on a platter. Ladle the vegetables and sauce over the lamb and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. If you like a bit of brightness, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving.

Why it works: Garnishing with parsley and a splash of lemon juice adds a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the lamb and sauce.

A Rich and Hearty Turkish Feast

This slow-cooked Turkish lamb shank with vegetables is an incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners. The lamb is perfectly tender, the vegetables are infused with spices, and the broth brings everything together in a savory, aromatic sauce.