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Lamb Shank Ragù with Anson Mills Grits

This slow-cooked lamb shank ragù is the ultimate high-protein comfort food, offering deep, complex flavours from a base of bourbon, sun-dried tomatoes, and earthy mushrooms. The lamb is simmered gently for hours until completely tender, resulting in a rich, savoury sauce that perfectly complements the addition of fresh, slightly bitter radicchio and bright spring onions added just before serving.

Traditionally served with pasta, this gourmet version pairs the ragù with silky, stone-ground grits enriched with sharp Manchego cheese and a touch of soured cream. It is a sophisticated yet hearty homemade meal that is perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion. Providing a nutritious and filling balance of fats and protein, this dish is as nourishing as it is indulgent.

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Ingredients for Lamb Shank Ragù with Anson Mills Grits

  • 900g lamb shanks

  • Rounded 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 60ml olive oil, divided

  • 240ml chopped red onion

  • 2 large garlic cloves, chopped

  • 80g chopped plum tomatoes

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes

  • 50g chopped celery

  • 50g chopped fresh oyster mushrooms or white mushrooms

  • 1/4 cup chopped fennel bulb

  • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves

  • 1/2 teaspoons hot red pepper flakes

  • 725ml chicken stock or reduced-sodium chicken broth

  • 240ml bourbon

  • 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon mild honey

  • 120ml chopped radicchio

  • 1 spring onion, chopped

  • 350ml chicken stock or reduced-sodium chicken broth

  • 350ml water

  • 180ml whole milk plus additional if necessary

  • 120ml quick-cooking grits (preferably Anson Mills)

  • 1 (1/2-pound) piece Manchego cheese (preferably raw sheep's milk)

  • 1 tablespoon soured cream

  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Pat lamb shanks dry and season with kosher salt (rounded 1/2 teaspoons ) and 1/4 teaspoons pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Brown shanks on all sides, 6 to 7 minutes, then transfer to paper towels to drain. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to pot, then cook onion, garlic, plum tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, celery, mushrooms, and fennel with thyme, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoons pepper, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes.

Return lamb shanks to pot with stock, bourbon, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and honey and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until meat is very tender, 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Remove meat from bones, discarding bones, and skim fat from cooking liquid, then return meat to pot. Simmer ragù, uncovered, stirring frequently, 15 minutes.

Just before serving, stir in radicchio and spring onion.

Bring stock, water, and milk to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan. Add grits in a stream, whisking, then cook over low heat, uncovered, stirring frequently, until grits are tender and thickened to the consistency of loose oatmeal, about 20 minutes.

Toward end of cooking, finely grate one fourth of cheese (240ml ) and add to grits along with soured cream, sea salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until cheese has melted. If grits are too thick, stir in some additional milk.

Serve ragù over grits and top with shavings of cheese.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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