Slow Cooked Lamb Shank Ragu with Pappardelle

Embark on a culinary journey that marries the tenderness of slow-cooked lamb shanks with the richness of a velvety ragu sauce, all intertwined with the indulgence of pappardelle pasta. The Slow Cooked Lamb Shank Ragu with Pappardelle is a dish that pays homage to comfort food at its finest. The savory aroma of succulent lamb, simmered to perfection with aromatic passata and stock, will fill your kitchen and your heart. With each forkful of tender meat and perfectly coated pasta, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a realm of culinary delight. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitude, this dish promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3.5 hours
Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 4 lamb shanks
• 1 medium onion (150 g), diced
• 2 cups (500 ml) tomato and basil passata
• 1 cup (250 ml) beef stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp. (20 g) butter
• ½ cup (45 g) Perfect ItalianoExtra Sharp Parmesan, grated
• 400 g packet dried pappardelle
• 1 ¼ cups (90 g) Perfect Italiano Extra Sharp Parmesan, shaved

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced).
2. Heat half of the olive oil in a large stovetop and ovenproof casserole dish over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb shanks on all sides, then set them aside.
3. Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan and sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the passata and beef stock, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Return the lamb shanks to the casserole dish, cover with a lid, and cook for approximately 3 hours or until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.
4. Remove the shanks from the pan and use two forks to shred the lamb. Return the shredded lamb to the casserole dish to warm through. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the butter and grated Parmesan. Keep the ragu warm.
5. In the meantime, cook the pappardelle pasta in a large saucepan according to the instructions on the packet. Drain the pasta well.
6. Add the cooked pappardelle to the lamb shank ragu and stir to coat the pasta with the flavorful sauce. Transfer the combined dish to a serving dish and sprinkle the shaved Parmesan over the top.

TIPS:

• This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated in a slow cooker on low before adding the pasta.
• For slow cooker preparation, be sure to sear the shanks and cook the onion before transferring them to the slow cooker for enhanced flavors.

SERVE AND DELIGHT:

• Elevate your dining experience with each heavenly bite of Slow Cooked Lamb Shank Ragu with Pappardelle. Allow the savory aroma and rich flavors to envelop your senses as you savor the tender lamb, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Share this masterpiece with family and friends, creating cherished memories around the table. This dish embodies the art of slow cooking and the joy of indulging in a bowl of comfort and luxury, making it a true masterpiece for your culinary repertoire.