Beer Braised Lamb Shanks
4 lamb shanks
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil as needed (about 4 oz)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 carrots, sliced
1 medium onion, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Dark beer such as Guiness, 1 pint
2 cups brown sauce or brown lamb stock
Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Brown it on all sides in the vegetable oil and then remove it. Add the celery, carrots, and onions to the same oil and caramelize them for 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic cloves and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the beer and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the brown sauce or stock and bring to a simmer. Add the lamb shanks to this braising liquid. Cover and cook slowly for 1 1/4 hours. Remove the shanks and strain the sauce. Reduce the sauce to a thicker consistency.
