Lamb shanks & white beans

 

4 lamb shanks, each weighing about 350g

3 tbsp olive oil

2 large onions, thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, chopped

2 tbsp tomato purée

A few sprigs of fresh thyme, plus extra leaves, to serve

2 bay leaves

250ml dry white wine

1 litre lamb or chicken stock

2 x 400g cans white beans, drained and rinsed

30g butter, to serve

75g fresh breadcrumbs, to serve

Season the lamb shanks. Heat a thin layer of oil in a heavy-based pan. Fry the lamb over a medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side until evenly browned. Set aside on a plate.

Add another tbsp oil to the pan and add the onions and garlic and stir well. Cover the pan and sweat the onions for 4-6 minutes until translucent.

Remove the lid and add the tomato purée, thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir for a couple of minutes, then pour in the white wine. Let the wine boil until it has reduced by two-thirds. Pour in the stock and bring to a simmer.

 Return the lamb to the pan and put a crumpled piece of baking paper on top. This will prevent any meat that pokes out of the liquid from drying out. Turn the heat to the lowest setting and gently simmer for 3 hours, turning the lamb shanks over halfway, until tender and just about falling off the bone.

Transfer the shanks to a warm platter, cover with foil and rest. Skim off the excess fat from the surface of the braising liquid, then boil until reduced by about half. Reduce the heat, add the beans to the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes. Season and return the lamb to the pan to reheat.

Melt the butter in a frying pan and tip in the breadcrumbs, extra thyme and a little salt and pepper. Stir over a medium heat until the breadcrumbs are crisp. Remove the pan from the heat.

Divide the lamb shanks between warm plates and spoon the beans and sauce around them. Sprinkle over the crispy breadcrumbs and serve immediately.