Description
Tender slow cooker Greek lamb shanks cooked with garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and smoked turkey bacon to create a rich, flavorful dish perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe highlights traditional Greek flavors with juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat and a vibrant sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Lamb and Meat
- 4 lamb shanks
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Brown the Lamb Shanks: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Pat the lamb shanks dry, then carefully brown them on all sides until a caramelized crust develops. This locks in flavor for the slow cooking stage.
- Sauté Aromatics and Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same pan, add chopped red onion and smoked turkey bacon. Cook until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to release their smoky and sweet flavors.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer browned lamb shanks, sautéed onion, and smoked turkey bacon to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, oregano, lemon juice and zest, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook to Tender Perfection: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours. The slow simmer breaks down the lamb’s connective tissues, resulting in tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice if preferred. Serve the lamb shanks hot with the rich sauce ladled on top.
Notes
- Pat dry lamb shanks before browning for better crust development.
- Use fresh rosemary and oregano for the best flavor.
- Do not rush browning; it adds essential depth to the dish.
- Make sure there is enough sauce to keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Finish the dish with fresh lemon juice for brightness just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb shank with sauce
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Greek lamb shanks, slow cooker lamb, roasted lamb, Greek herbs, lemon lamb, slow cooked meat