Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lamb Shanks Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Shanks is a deceptively simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish that uses just five key ingredients. The genius behind it is how Jamie manages to transform humble lamb shanks into something rich and succulent with minimal effort and ingredients. It’s perfect for those days when you want a comforting, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The lamb shanks are braised to perfection, slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s the kind of meal that looks and tastes gourmet but only requires a handful of pantry staples and a little patience.

Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lamb Shanks Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create this masterpiece, you only need five ingredients which makes this recipe both budget-friendly and easy to follow. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Lamb Shanks – The star of the show. These are typically meaty cuts from the lower leg of the lamb which when slow-cooked, become tender and juicy. You’ll need about two lamb shanks for a satisfying serving.
2. Garlic – A couple of garlic cloves add depth and aroma. It pairs wonderfully with the lamb and enhances the overall savory flavors.
3. Rosemary – Fresh rosemary is the perfect herb for lamb. It adds an earthy, slightly piney flavor that balances out the richness of the meat.
4. Tinned Tomatoes – These will form the base of your cooking liquid, turning into a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the lamb. It also gives the dish a rich color.
5. Olive Oil – You’ll need this for browning the lamb and giving it a crispy, caramelized exterior. It adds that smooth texture to the sauce.

That’s it! No fancy ingredients, just five simple items that bring out the best in each other.

Equipment Needed

The equipment you’ll need is pretty basic but having the right tools makes the process smoother:

1. Large Ovenproof Pan or Dutch Oven – A wide, heavy-duty pan is essential for browning the lamb and then slow-cooking it in the oven. A Dutch oven works wonders because it’s designed to retain heat and distribute it evenly.
2. Sharp Knife – You’ll need a sharp knife to chop the garlic and strip the rosemary leaves off the stem. It’s always best to have a good knife when prepping as it saves time and ensures clean cuts.
3. Lid for the Pan. If your pan doesn’t have a lid, you can use foil to cover it while cooking. This will trap the heat and moisture, allowing the lamb to cook slowly and become tender.
4. Tongs – Handy for turning and handling the lamb shanks while they’re browning. It makes the whole process more manageable and less messy.
5. Oven – Since the lamb is slow-cooked in the oven, make sure it’s preheated and ready to go.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Shanks

The beauty of this recipe is in its straightforwardness. Here’s how to make it:

1. Brown the Lamb Shanks: Heat a generous splash of olive oil in your pan over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, brown the lamb on all sides. This step locks in the flavors and gives the meat a rich, golden crust. It should take around 5-7 minutes to get a nice sear.
2. Add the Garlic and Rosemary: Once the lamb is browned, add chopped garlic and rosemary leaves. You want to cook them for a minute or two until the garlic becomes fragrant. This infuses the oil with the herb’s earthy aroma.
3. Pour in the Tomatoes: Open the tin of tomatoes and add them to the pan, breaking them up with a spoon if needed. Season with salt, pepper and a touch of sugar if you like to balance the acidity. Stir it all together, making sure the lamb is partially submerged in the tomato sauce.
4. Slow-Cook in the Oven: Cover your pan with a lid or foil and transfer it into the preheated oven. Let the lamb cook low and slow for 2-3 hours. The result will be meltingly tender meat that falls off the bone. You may want to check halfway through and give the lamb a little turn in the sauce.
5. Serve: Once the lamb shanks are done, they should be super tender. Spoon some of the tomato sauce over the top and you’ve got yourself a fantastic meal. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice or a simple salad.

What I Learnt

What I learned from making Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Shanks is that simplicity doesn’t mean compromise. The dish might have only five ingredients but the flavors are deep and complex. The slow cooking process does all the hard work, allowing the lamb to absorb all the goodness of the garlic, rosemary and tomatoes.

The recipe also taught me how important it is to let the meat rest in the sauce after it’s cooked. When you give it a moment to sit, it soaks up even more flavor, making every bite more succulent.

Most importantly, I learned that slow cooking can transform even the most basic ingredients into something extraordinary. The lamb becomes so tender that it’s almost impossible to resist.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Shanks

Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Shanks is a simple yet delicious dish that brings out the tender richness of lamb with minimal fuss. But there are always ways to make it even better based on personal preferences or available ingredients. Here are a few tweaks that can take it to the next level:

1. Spices & Herbs:

   While Jamie’s recipe keeps it basic, you can always add more layers of flavor with spices. A little cumin or coriander can add depth to the flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or even oregano complement lamb beautifully and add freshness.

2. Add Veggies:

   Tossing in some root vegetables like carrots, parsnips or potatoes around the lamb during cooking can create a fuller, heartier dish. They soak up the rich juices and enhance the overall taste. You could even try adding butternut squash for a touch of sweetness.

3. Acidity Balance:

   If you’re a fan of a slight tang, adding a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice just before serving could provide that needed acidity to balance the richness of the lamb.

4. Slow Cook for Even More Tenderness:

   While the recipe uses the oven for slow roasting, consider using a slow cooker. It’s a great way to let the lamb shanks tenderize over several hours and absorb all the flavors. It frees up your oven for other dishes.

5. Experiment with Broth:

   If you’re after a richer broth, swap out water for beef stock or even lamb stock to bring a deeper flavor to the sauce.

6. Sweetness:

   For a slightly sweet twist, throw in a few dried figs or apricots. They caramelize in the slow-cooked juices and add a lovely contrast to the savory lamb.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a flavorful dish the next day, especially when it’s lamb shanks. However, storing them properly ensures they stay as tasty as the first time around.

1. Refrigeration:

   Let the lamb shanks cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. This prevents condensation and keeps the meat fresh. In the fridge, they should be good for about 3-4 days.

2. Freezing Leftovers:

   If you want to store the dish for longer, freeze the lamb shanks. The key is to wrap them well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat.

3. Reheating:

   When reheating, consider doing it gently. The lamb will already be tender but if you overheat it, it can lose its moisture. You can reheat it on the stove with a little bit of the sauce or use a low oven temperature (around 150°C/300°F) to warm it up slowly. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw completely and then follow the same process.

4. Avoid Microwave:

   If possible, avoid microwaving lamb shanks. The microwave tends to dry out meats and alter the texture, especially the delicate lamb. If you must, do it in intervals and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Shanks?

Now, lamb shanks are rich and flavorful on their own but they really shine when paired with the right sides. Here are some delicious ideas:

1. Crispy Roasted Potatoes:

   You can’t go wrong with roast potatoes. The crispy exterior and soft, buttery interior complement the juicy lamb. You can cook them in the same oven, saving time.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes:

   If you prefer something softer, creamy mashed potatoes are a dream with lamb. The smoothness of the mash and the rich sauce from the lamb make for an indulgent pairing.

3. Buttered Greens:

   Pair the lamb with something fresh to cut through its richness. Green beans, peas or spinach sautéed with garlic and a bit of butter work beautifully.

4. Gravy or Mint Sauce:

   While the lamb will release its own flavorful juices, a side of gravy made from those drippings or a fresh mint sauce, can bring the dish together. The mint adds a nice refreshing note that balances the lamb’s robust flavor.

5. Bread for Soaking:

   A crusty loaf of bread is essential. Use it to soak up all the wonderful sauce and juices from the lamb. It adds a satisfying element.

6. Salad:

   If you want something light to balance the richness, a fresh salad with a citrus dressing is perfect. Try something like arugula, fennel and orange. the slight bitterness of the arugula combined with the sweetness of the orange really cuts through the savory lamb.

7. Polenta:

   Creamy polenta is another great choice if you’re looking for a comforting side. Its soft, almost buttery texture pairs well with the meaty lamb shanks.

FAQs

What Are The 5 Main Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Shanks Recipe?

The 5 main ingredients are lamb shanks, garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and tomatoes.

How Long Do The Lamb Shanks Need To Cook For In Jamie Oliver’s Recipe?

The lamb shanks need to cook for about 2 hours until tender.

Can I Use Other Herbs Instead Of Rosemary For Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Shanks?

Yes, you can try thyme or oregano for a different flavor, but rosemary works best for the classic taste.