EASY SLOW COOKER LAMB SHANKS

the slow cooker wins another round. i love my little red slow cooker. i think it is the best 20$ i ever spent. no need for the big fancy model with the digital readout. no need for the auto timer. i guarantee when it's done you'll be there waiting.

i know we're moving into summer and everyone is is starting up with their "Lite Summer Fair", but i say, "Don't put away the slow cooker". there's just something so satisfying about throwing a few ingredients in a pot, walking away with no worries and coming home to a fabulous, no-fail meal that tastes and smells like grandma's been in the kitchen all day. pure comfort.

did i mention the clean up?...one pot.



SLOW COOKER LAMB SHANKS...easy peezy

3-4 lbs lamb shanks

1 onion sliced thick

3-5 spears fresh rosemary

8-9 peeled garlic cloves

2 carrots cut large

put sliced onion in the bottom of the crock pot.

salt and pepper the lamb shanks...generously

put everything in the pot.

add enough beef stock or broth to almost cover meat (shown above). don't fill too full.

NOTE...please read comments.  i have cooked this both ways...with water and with beef broth, but broth is better.  homemade broth is best.  watch your salt content if using canned broth.  sometimes i will add in some veal demi glace. 

get the rosemary tucked in so that it's not just floating on the top.

cook on low for 7-8 hours.

if you're home you might want to check it around 5 hours and flip the meat. also you might want to squeeze in a few small potatoes...there should be enough room at this time.

7-8 hours later your ready for a tried and true comfort meal

remove the meat and the veg. for serving and strain the liquid.

DON'T THROW THE COOKING LIQUID OUT. strain, let it sit and separate. refrigerate or freeze for another fabulous dish that requires a rich deep homemade broth.