Lamb Shank Shepherd's Pie

Greetings, fellow food adventurers! Today, I come bearing tales of my latest culinary escapade, straight from the heart of London. Picture this: a quaint pub tucked away in a cobblestone alley, where the scent of hearty comfort food wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in a feast fit for kings and commoners alike. Yes, my friends, I speak of none other than The King’s Head, a tavern where I recently stumbled upon a gastronomic gem that left my taste buds tingling with delight – the Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie.

But before I dive into the mouthwatering details of this newfound treasure, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind Shepherd’s Pie. Originating from humble beginnings as a thrifty dish made with leftover roasted meat topped with mashed potatoes, this British classic has undergone a remarkable evolution over the ages. From its humble roots in rural kitchens to gracing the tables of high society, Shepherd’s Pie has transcended social boundaries to become a beloved comfort food staple around the world.

What sets apart the modern iterations of Shepherd’s Pie, such as the one I had the pleasure of devouring at The King’s Head, is the emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients. Gone are the days of relying solely on leftovers – today’s Shepherd’s Pie boasts a vibrant medley of vegetables, succulent meats, and savory sauces, all harmoniously melded together beneath a golden crust of creamy mashed potatoes.

Now, let me regale you with the culinary masterpiece that graced my plate at The King’s Head: the Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie. Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich gravy infused with aromatic herbs and spices, nestled beneath a blanket of velvety mashed potatoes. Each forkful was a symphony of flavors – the lamb’s robustness, the vegetables’ earthiness, and the potatoes’ comforting creaminess.

And fear not, dear readers, for I shall not tease your taste buds without offering a glimpse into the culinary alchemy required to recreate this masterpiece in your own kitchen. Behold, the recipe for Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie.

Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie

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This Lamb Shank’s Shepherd’s Pie is a harmonious blend of tender, slow-cooked lamb shanks, a vibrant medley of vegetables, and a velvety blanket of mashed potatoes, inspired by a dish served at The King’s Head tavern in London.

• Author: Don Nicholas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Category: Entrées

Ingredients

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• 2 lamb shanks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef or lamb broth
• 1/2 cup peas
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (see our recipe for Farm-Style Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Season the lamb shanks generously with salt and pepper. In a large ovenproof pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb shanks and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the lamb shanks from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Deglaze the pot with the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the broth, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and return the lamb shanks to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
6. Remove the lamb shanks from the pot and shred the meat, discarding any bones and excess fat. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables. Add peas.
7. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the lamb mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
8. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden and slightly crispy on top.
9. Serve the Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

And there you have it, folks – a culinary journey fit for a king, courtesy of The King’s Head in London. So, the next time you find yourself in the bustling streets of this historic city, be sure to venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden treasures awaiting you in its cozy pubs and taverns. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your own Shepherd’s Pie revelation. Cheers to good food, good company, and unforgettable culinary adventures!

If you try this recipe, or know more about it, I’d love to hear your thoughts!