Lamb chop with apples, olives, and capers

Lamb shank with apples, olives, and capers – A delightful recipe for Easter dinner

This recipe for lamb shanks with apples, olives, and capers is a refined and delicious twist on the traditional Easter roast. The lamb, with its tender and juicy meat, perfectly complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the apples, along with the salty notes of the olives and capers. It’s an excellent choice to impress family and friends at the holiday table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients needed for a delicious serving:
- 2 lamb shanks (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 4 Golden apples (or preferred, depending on taste)
- 300 g green and black olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 lemons (one for fresh juice, the other for slicing)
- Iodized salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 5-6 cloves of garlic
- 100 g smoked bacon, sliced
- 250 ml semi-dry white wine

Preparing the lamb shank:

1. Scoring the shank: Start by scoring the lamb shanks in several places with a sharp knife. This step not only helps the flavors penetrate but also creates a delicious crust. When scoring the meat, make sure not to cut too deep, just superficially.

2. Adding flavors: Insert small pieces of garlic and slices of smoked bacon into the cuts made earlier. This will provide a rich and complex flavor while the bacon adds extra juiciness.

3. Preparing the emulsion: In a bowl, mix olive oil, mustard, salt, pepper, and finely chopped rosemary leaves. Use a whisk to combine the ingredients. This emulsion will be used to massage the shanks, helping the flavors to penetrate.

4. Massage the meat: Rub the shanks with the prepared emulsion, ensuring they are well coated. This will enhance not only the flavor but also the texture of the meat.

5. Preparing the apples and lemons: Wash the apples and lemons, then cut them into slices or cubes, according to preference. Golden apples are ideal because they have a sweet flavor and a texture that holds up well during cooking.

6. Assembling the dish: In a baking tray, place the lamb shanks and sprinkle the apples, lemon slices, and capers on top. The olives can be added now or later, in the last few minutes of baking.

7. Baking in the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for about 15 minutes until the meat develops a golden crust on both sides. This is an important step, as the crust will help retain the meat's juiciness.

8. Adding the wine: After 15 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and pour the semi-dry white wine over the shanks. This will add a note of acidity and help to enhance the flavors. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and reduce the oven temperature to 160°C. Let it bake for 50 minutes.

9. Serving: After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy roast. Serve the shanks with grilled vegetable sides, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

10. Final suggestions: A delicious combination would be to serve this dish with a glass of chilled white wine, which will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the lamb.

Nutritional benefits:
Lamb meat is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals such as zinc and iron. The apple provides fiber and antioxidants, while olives are rich in healthy fats. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious!

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of meat?
- Yes! This recipe can also be adapted for pork or chicken, but the cooking time will vary.

2. How can I store leftovers?
- The lamb shank stores well in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

3. What sides go well with this dish?
- We recommend mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad with yogurt dressing.

This recipe for lamb shanks with apples, olives, and capers is more than just a simple roast; it is a culinary experience that combines tradition with innovation. Whether you prepare it for Easter or on an ordinary Sunday, it will bring joy and flavor to your table. Enjoy your meal!