Instant Pot Mediterranean Lamb Shanks

These tender fall-of-the-bone lamb shanks braised in a luxurious red wine sauce are perfectly cooked in the Instant Pot (get yours here: https://amzn.to/2QlkaDf). I can’t believe how easy and how flavorful this recipe is!

Lamb is a traditional holiday recipe for many families, especially at Easter, Christmas and even St Patrick’s Day, and this dish won’t disappoint. Just be sure to serve it with something like potatoes or polenta, because you’ll want to soak up every drop of this wonderful sauce!

One of the best parts of cooking this in the Instant Pot is that there’s no tending the stove or oven. Once the pot is sealed, you can walk away while the pot does its magic! And clean-up is a snap. Only one pot to wash, no splatter or mess.

Pro Tip: Don’t bother paying extra to have your shanks Frenched. This recipe doesn’t require it.

You’ll want to soak up every drop of this wonderful sauce!

Ingredients:

Marinade Mixture:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp each dried oregano, smoked paprika, kosher salt
  
• 1/2 tsp cumin
  
• 1 cinnamon stick

 

• 1 1/2 – 2 lbs lamb shanks (about 3), preferably skinless
  
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
  
• 3 carrots, chopped
  
• 2 bay leaves
  
• 2 cups red wine
  
• 4 cups beef broth, warmed
  
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
  
• 3 tbsp cold water
• 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine Marinade Mixture ingredients. Add lamb shanks and coat well. Set aside and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Once 30 minutes have elapsed, add 1/4 cup olive oil to the Instant Pot. Using the display panel select the SAUTE function.
3. When oil gets hot, brown the meat on all sides, 3-4 minutes per side. Meat will not be cooked through. Do not crowd the pot–you may have to work in batches. Transfer browned meat to a shallow dish and cover loosely with foil.
4. Add onion, carrots, bay leaves and remaining marinade to the pot and saute until onions are soft, 4-5 minutes.
5. Add wine to the pot and deglaze by using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pot, then simmer and reduce by half (about 10 minutes).
6. Add warmed broth and return the meat to the pot, turning once to coat.
7. Turn the pot off by selecting CANCEL, then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
8. Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 30 minutes.
9. When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release (about 15-20 minutes).
10. Carefully remove the meat from the pot and cover loosely with foil, reserving juices.
11. Strain liquid and return to pot, discarding solids. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and cold water. Stir into the pot until thickened, returning to SAUTE mode as needed.
12. Serve lamb topped with gravy alongside mashed white or sweet potatoes, noodles or rice. Garnish with chopped parsley.

*The MANUAL and PRESSURE COOK buttons are interchangeable.