Lamb shanks are a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for a cold night. But what should you serve with them?
It can be tricky to figure out the right sides to accompany this rich and flavorful meat. In this article, we'll explore some of the best options for rounding out your plate. From vegetables to starches, there are plenty of ideas that are sure to please everyone at the table.
Read on to discover what will make your lamb shanks shine!
Roasting root vegetables is the perfect side to serve with lamb shanks. The earthy sweetness of root vegetables like braised onions and spiced carrots create a harmony of flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the lamb. Baking these vegetables in a light olive oil not only brings out their natural sweetness, but also adds a subtle nuttiness that further enhances the dish.
The combination of hearty vegetables, bold herbs, and a hint of citrus makes for an unforgettable accompaniment to your meal. By combining simple ingredients such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, and orange zest you can create a vibrant flavor profile that will elevate your lamb shanks.
With these flavors in tow, you’re ready for something delicious. Next up: herbed quinoa!
Herbed quinoa is a great accompaniment to lamb shanks. It’s full of flavor and texture and pairs perfectly with the richness of the meat.
To make it, cook the quinoa according to package instructions and season it with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Then add in diced vegetables like carrots, red peppers, or mushrooms for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
For added complexity to your meal, serve lemony couscous or garlic bread on the side. The couscous can be cooked according to package instructions with lemon juice and zest for a bright citrusy flavor that will pair nicely with the herbed quinoa.
For those who prefer something heartier, garlic bread is always a popular choice. Toast slices of baguette until golden brown then top them with butter, garlic cloves, parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an irresistibly savory snack.
As you can see, herbed quinoa is an easy-to-make side dish that will complement lamb shanks perfectly. With a few additional ingredients like lemony couscous or garlic bread on the side, you can create a flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Now onto another delicious accompaniment: mashed potatoes!
Herbed Quinoa is a delicious accompaniment to lamb shanks and its nutty flavor complements the tender meat nicely.
Now, for an additional layer of texture and flavor, nothing beats a creamy mashed potato side dish. The fluffy texture of mashed potatoes provides the perfect contrast to the hearty lamb shank, while the creamy sauce ties it all together. With just the right balance of savory and sweet flavors, this classic combination is sure to please any palate.
To take mashed potatoes up a notch, try roasting them instead. The crispy exterior pairs wonderfully with the fluffy interior for an indulgent treat that will have your guests asking for seconds.
The roasted potatoes provide a unique crunch that adds another dimension to the meal without overpowering the star of the show – those succulent lamb shanks!
Roasted potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to lamb shanks. They can be boiled, mashed, or roasted for a more savory flavor. Roasting them with garlic and onions is especially tasty and pairs well with the lamb.
To make roasted potatoes, start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and chop a few potatoes into cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet that has been lightly coated with oil or nonstick spray. Drizzle some olive oil over the top of the potatoes and season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs such as oregano or thyme. Add in some fresh herbs if desired and sprinkle some chopped roasted garlic and sautéed onions over the potatoes.
Toss everything together until it is evenly coated before placing in the oven to roast for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
The aroma of roasted potatoes combined with garlic and onions will fill your kitchen while they are roasting. Once they are done, serve them hot alongside your lamb shanks for an amazing meal!
The flavors all blend together perfectly to create a delicious combination of savory, juicy meat and crispy, flavorful potatoes - sure to please any palate. Letting everyone assemble their own plate allows for personal preference so everyone can enjoy their meal just how they like it.
With this robust dish on your table, you can have complete confidence that your dinner party will be a success!
Sauteed greens are the perfect accompaniment to lamb shanks. They provide a distinct contrast of textures, like two sides of a coin - hearty and savory on one side, and light and crisp on the other.
A popular combination is creamed spinach with garlic sauce which provides a delicious balance of flavor. The creamy sauce from the spinach coats each bite of succulent lamb shanks, while the garlic sauce adds just enough spice to bring out the natural flavor of the meat.
The beauty of sautéing greens is that it requires minimal effort yet yields big results. It's quick cooking time means that all you need is some fresh vegetables, a good skillet and some quality olive oil for an unbeatable side dish.
This simple preparation ensures that your lamb shanks stay as the star of your meal, while still providing a flavorful complement to your recipe.
When roasting lamb shanks, the internal temperature should reach between 145 and 160°F.
The roasting time will depend on the size of the shanks, but as a general rule, it should take about 20 minutes per pound at 350°F.
If you have a meat thermometer, use it to check the internal temperature of the lamb shanks to ensure they are cooked through.
Ah, lamb shanks! They can be such a challenge to get just right.
Do you cook them for too long and get shoe-leather or too short and have raw meat?
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to make sure your shanks are cooked to perfection every time: use a meat thermometer!
With tenderizing tips and the thermometer, you should cook your lamb shanks for about two hours — though it all depends on how big they are, of course.
When the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, you can remove them from the heat and enjoy some of the most succulent lamb shanks around!
Herbed quinoa is a great accompaniment to lamb shanks, and there are plenty of flavor enhancers you can use for the perfect spice combination.
Try using rosemary, garlic, oregano, and thyme for a classic herbed quinoa.
You can also add ingredients like parsley, sage, or cumin for a more complex flavor profile.
Or you could switch things up by adding chili powder or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Whichever herbs you choose to use, make sure to balance them out with some salt and pepper to really bring out the flavors in your herbed quinoa.
When it comes to side dishes, lamb shanks pair well with a variety of options.
Braised greens and couscous pilaf are two great accompaniments that bring out the flavor of the dish.
Braised greens can be cooked in the same pan as the lamb shanks and are great for adding additional flavor and texture.
Couscous pilaf is a simple yet versatile option that can be seasoned to your liking and is a great way to round out the meal.
When roasting root vegetables to serve with your lamb shanks, the best way to season them is to combine savory flavors with subtle sweetness.
Imagining yourself in a kitchen full of spices, you start by sprinkling a generous amount of garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary on top of the vegetables.
Then, you add a hint of brown sugar for just a touch of sweetness.
Finally, finish it off for added richness by drizzling olive oil over the vegetables and giving them one last mix before placing them in the oven.
The lamb shanks are a delicious dish that can really take your dinner to the next level. With a little bit of preparation, they can be cooked to perfection and served with a variety of side dishes.
The herbed quinoa is especially tasty when it is seasoned with fresh herbs, while the roasted root vegetables bring out the flavor of the lamb shanks like two old friends reunited. Everything comes together in an exquisite symphony of flavors that will have your guests wanting more. It's like music to your taste buds!
So, if you want to impress your guests, serve up some succulent lamb shanks with delicious sides for the ultimate dining experience.
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