Photo by: James Carrier
Mickey Strang describes this dish as "elegant comfort food." Serve it over mashed potatoes or polenta.
Sunset DECEMBER 2001
1. Trim root ends, coarse tops, and outer layers from leeks; cut leeks in half lengthwise. Rinse under running water, flipping layers to flush out grit. Coarsely chop.
2. Pour oil into a 6- to 8-quart Dutch oven or ovenproof pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add leeks and garlic; stir often until leeks are limp, about 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, rinse lamb shanks and pat dry. Add lamb, 1 cup water, orange slices, port, Cointreau, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to pan. Cover and bring to a simmer.
4. Transfer pan to a 325° regular or convection oven and bake until lamb is very tender when pierced, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Check occasionally; if pan gets too dry, add water, 1/4 cup at a time, as needed. Uncover and bake until meat is well browned, 10 to 20 minutes longer.
5. Serve from pan, or spoon into a wide, shallow bowl. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
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Port-braised Lamb Shanks recipe