Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie

During a trip to London, I discovered something remarkable at The King’s Head tavern – a shepherd’s pie that completely transformed my understanding of this humble dish. Unlike the traditional versions I’d known, their lamb shank interpretation elevated this comfort food classic into something truly memorable. This recipe is my attempt to capture the essence of that extraordinary pub dish, though like all inspired recreations, it’s evolved into its own unique expression.

What made the King’s Head version so special was their use of slow-cooked lamb shanks instead of the traditional ground lamb. The pub’s chef had cleverly recognized that this often-overlooked cut, with its rich connective tissue and deep flavor, could transform a simple shepherd’s pie into something extraordinary. While my version may not be an exact replica of their closely guarded recipe, it captures the same spirit of innovation while respecting the dish’s humble origins.

Diving into the Ingredients

In this Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie, each element contributes in their own way. The lamb shanks, slow-cooked to perfection, offer a robust and succulent base, their tenderness enhanced by the rich, herb-infused gravy. The vegetables, a trio of onion, carrots, and celery, provide an earthy counterpoint, their natural sweetness and texture complementing the lamb beautifully. Minced garlic and tomato paste add depth and complexity to the sauce, while the red wine imparts a subtle tang and sophistication.

The cooking process itself is a lesson in building layers of flavor. Beginning with a proper sear develops a golden crust on the lamb through the Maillard reaction, creating those initial deep, savory notes that form the foundation of the dish. The holy trinity of onion, carrot, and celery – known in French cooking as mirepoix – adds another layer of complexity as these aromatics slowly cook in the lamb’s rendered fat.

Wine selection plays a crucial role in this dish. A good red wine, something you’d enjoy drinking, adds acidity and depth to the sauce. As it reduces, the wine’s flavors concentrate, while its natural acidity helps break down the meat’s fibers, contributing to that melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re seeking.

Topping this medley of flavors is a golden crust of creamy mashed potatoes. While any good mashed potato recipe will work, this dish truly shines when topped with potatoes that strike the perfect balance between richness and lightness. The key lies in using floury potatoes like Russets or Maris Pipers, which create a fluffier mash that forms appealing peaks and valleys when baked. The combination of textures – the fork-tender lamb, the tender vegetables, and the fluffy potatoes – creates a sensory delight that satisfies both the palate and the soul.

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
• Category: Entrées

Ingredients

• 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.

Making Ahead and Adaptations

Make-ahead convenience adds to this dish’s appeal. You can prepare the lamb filling up to three days ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and develop even further. The assembled pie can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for entertaining. It even freezes beautifully – though it’s best to freeze the filling and prepare fresh mashed potatoes when you’re ready to serve.

This shepherd’s pie welcomes seasonal adaptations. In spring, try adding fresh peas and young carrots to the filling. Summer might call for a handful of cherry tomatoes, while autumn and winter versions can incorporate root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. Each variation brings its own character to the dish while maintaining its essential comfort-food appeal.

While developing this recipe, I tried to maintain the essence of what made the King’s Head version so special while adapting it for home kitchens. Their professional kitchen likely uses techniques and equipment not available to most home cooks, so I’ve focused on methods that deliver similar results with standard kitchen equipment. The key elements – the slow-cooked lamb, rich gravy, and golden potato crust – remain true to the spirit of the original inspiration.

This Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of classic comfort foods and the importance of preserving culinary traditions while embracing innovation. As you savor each mouthwatering forkful, you’re not only indulging in a delicious meal but also partaking in a piece of British culinary heritage, one that has stood the test of time and continues to warm hearts and bellies alike.

Potatoes and sweet potatoes have been around for thousands of years, and they’re a main staple in many cultures. Both of these vegetables are easy to grow at home. With our Potatoes Gardening Guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about growing and enjoying these fabulous root vegetables.

If you make this Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie, let me know what you think!