Great for cooler seasons and simple to prepare, this Sticky Spiced Lamb Shanks dinner recipe is slow-cooked with lamb shanks, sliced onions, fresh garlic, pomegranate molasses, and dried apricots and figs. This rich and spiced lamb shank recipe makes a perfect dinner for up to 2 people.

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Sticky Spiced Lamb Shanks Ingredients

• 1½ tbsp olive oil
• 2 lamb shanks
• 3 onions, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• ½ cinnamon stick
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds, crushed
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds, crushed
• Pinch of chili flakes
• 400g (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes
• 500ml (18 fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
• 4 dried apricots, chopped
• 4 dried figs, chopped
• Handful of fresh coriander, chopped

How To Make Sticky Spiced Lamb Shanks

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: If your slow cooker needs preheating, start by setting it up. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then add the lamb shanks, browning them for about 2 minutes on each side until well-seared and golden.
2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the browned lamb shanks to the slow cooker. Add the sliced onions, garlic, cinnamon stick, crushed cumin and coriander seeds, chili flakes, chopped tomatoes, stock, pomegranate molasses, apricots, and figs.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to Low. Let the lamb cook undisturbed for 9–10 hours until it becomes fall-off-the-bone tender, and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
4. Reduce the Sauce: Carefully remove the lamb shanks from the slow cooker and wrap them in foil to keep them warm. Pour the remaining contents of the slow cooker into a large pan, bringing it to a boil over medium heat. Cook the sauce down, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reaches a rich, saucy consistency.
5. Serve with Fresh Coriander: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Unwrap the lamb shanks and plate them, then generously spoon the thickened sauce over the top. Sprinkle the chopped coriander on top for a burst of freshness and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust Sweetness with Dried Fruits: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more chopped figs or apricots for a natural, sticky sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
• Achieve a Thicker Sauce: To thicken the sauce even further, stir in 1 tsp of cornstarch mixed with cold water during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Use Bone Broth for Extra Richness: Swap the chicken or vegetable stock with bone broth for an additional layer of richness that complements the depth of the lamb.
• Serve with a Side for Balance: Pair the lamb shanks with a light side like a fresh herb salad or couscous to balance the rich, hearty flavors of the dish.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Easy Slow Cooker Lamb Shank Rogan Josh
• Slow Cooker Lamb Tagine Harissa
• Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Lamb Bhuna