Chef John's Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Generously season lamb shanks with salt and black pepper.

Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place lamb shanks in the Dutch oven cook turning until browned on all sides about 10 minutes. Transfer shanks to a plate. Drain off remaining oil and fat so only 1 tablespoon remains in the Dutch oven.

Stir onion garlic and a pinch of salt into the Dutch oven; decrease heat to medium-low and cook stirring until onions are softened and translucent about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste chipotle chile powder ancho chile powder and ground cinnamon; stir to combine.

Pour 1 cup chicken broth over onion mixture. Increase heat to high; when liquid boils place lamb shanks in Dutch oven. Cover and cook in the preheated oven for 90 minutes.

Remove Dutch oven and stir in jalapeno pepper red bell pepper and 1/2 cup chicken stock; bring to a boil on the stovetop. Return pan to the oven and cook uncovered until lamb shanks are fork tender about 20 minutes. Transfer lamb to plate.

Place Dutch oven on the stovetop over high heat; bring liquid to a boil and cook skimming off any foam until liquid is reduced and thickened about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon sauce over lamb shanks and serve.