Lamb Shank Stew with Bulgur
Ingredients:
- 1kg (2.2 lbs) lamb shanks, trimmed
- 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
- 300g (2 large) onions, chopped
- 200g (1 cup) carrots, sliced into rounds
- 150g (3-4 stalks) celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 30g (2 tbsp) tomato paste
- 500ml (2 cups) beef or lamb stock
- 250ml (1 cup) red wine
- 5g (1 tsp) ground cumin
- 5g (1 tsp) ground coriander
- 10g (2 tsp) salt, or to taste
- 5g (1 tsp) black pepper, or to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 250g (1 cup) bulgur wheat
- 750ml (3 cups) water
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Time:
Total estimated time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Searing the Lamb
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Sear them in the hot oil until they are browned on all sides, approximately 10 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables
Remove lamb shanks and set them aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, approximately 8-10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, then add tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 3: Building the Stew
Return the lamb shanks to the pot. Pour in red wine, ensuring it deglazes the pan. Follow with beef or lamb stock. Add cumin, coriander, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
Step 4: Preparing the Bulgur
While the stew is cooking, rinse bulgur wheat in a colander under cold running water. In a separate medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, add the rinsed bulgur, and stir. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the bulgur is tender and all the water has been absorbed.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serving
Once the lamb is well-cooked, remove from heat and discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. To serve, spoon bulgur into individual serving bowls and top with a generous portion of lamb stew. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Conclusion
You’ve crafted a dish that beautifully showcases the transformative power of slow cooking. This Lamb Shank Stew with Bulgur is not only a manifestation of comfort but also an illustration of how humble ingredients, when properly combined and cooked with care, can yield a symphony of flavors. Enjoy this culinary delight with friends or family, where each bite tells its own tale of tradition and warmth. Bon Appétit!
