Mark Miller's Braised Lamb Shanks with Scarlet Runner Beans and Ricotta

This recipe serves:  2 4 6 8

2 lamb shanks, 8 ounces each
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
10 baby carrots
3/4 onion, peeled and diced
6 whole shallots, peeled
1/2 ounce dried mushrooms, any variety
4 cloves garlic
3/4 cup red wine
1/4 cup tomato puree
4 cups Basic Chicken Stock (see recipe), or low-sodium canned
1 bay leaf
1 sprig fresh thyme
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped, fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped, fresh mint
1/2 cup cooked scarlet runner beans or fava beans
1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.

2. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a braising pan or stew pot. Add the shanks and brown well on all sides.

3. Remove the shanks from the pan and sauté the carrots, onions, shallots and mushrooms, stirring occasionally until lightly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook about 1 to 2 minutes more.

4. Add the red wine and tomato puree, and simmer until the volume has reduced by half, about 6 to 8 minutes.

5. Add the stock, browned shanks, bay leaves and thyme, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook in the oven until the meat is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

6. Meanwhile, combine the ricotta cheese with the basil and mint. Set aside.

7. Strain and reserve the stock and keep the shanks warm on the side. Return the strained stock to the stove and simmer until the volume has reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

8. Heat the beans in the sauce.

9. Place each shank in the center of a large warm bowl. Pour the sauce and beans over and around the shanks. Spoon the ricotta mixture on top of the beans.

Serving Size: 1 shank plus vegetables

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