Mediterranean-style Lamb Shanks Recipe for a Hearty Meal

Mediterranean-style Lamb Shanks — a mediterranean recipe (main course) with 15 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 17, 2026

195

Total Time (min)

4

servings

1111

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Mediterranean-style Lamb Shanks Recipe for a Hearty Meal

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 4 pieces lamb shanks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 large onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup red wine (preferably dry)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 cup chickpeas (cooked)
  • 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Sear the Lamb Shanks

    In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add lamb shanks and sear until browned on all sides.

    Do not overcrowd the pot; sear in batches if necessary.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics

    Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

    Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
  3. Add Liquids and Spices

    Pour in the chicken broth and red wine. Stir in tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

    Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
  4. Braise the Lamb

    Return the lamb shanks to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

    Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours until the lamb is tender.
  5. Add Chickpeas

    In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cooked chickpeas to the pot.

    Stir gently to combine without breaking the shanks.
  6. Serve

    Once the lamb is tender, serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.

    Pair with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Fish-Free. Diet: Low-Carb

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your mediterranean meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Mediterranean-style Lamb Shanks Recipe for a Hearty Meal is a beloved dish from Mediterranean cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 195 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

Mediterranean cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 15 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute with beef shanks or pork shanks, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories560kcal
Total Fat38gg
Sodium580mgmg
Total Carbohydrates15gg
Dietary Fiber4gg
Total Sugars3gg
Protein39gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details