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1
Preheat the oven to 375F.
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2
Season the lamb all over with salt and pepper.
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3
Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
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4
Dredge the lamb in the flour, turning to coat evenly; shake off excess.
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5
Heat the oil and butter in an 8-quart Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat.
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6
Working in two batches, cook until the shanks are well browned, about 5 minutes per side.
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7
Transfer the shanks to a large plate; drain off all but 2 tablespoons fat from the skillet.
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8
Place the skillet over medium heat; add the onions and leek, and saute until they are lightly browned, about 6 minutes.
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9
Add the garlic; cook 4 minutes more.
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10
Add the red wine; deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.
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11
Return the shanks to the skillet, and add the chicken stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves.
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12
Bring to a boil; cover, and place in oven.
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13
Braise 2 hours; add the fennel, and cook 30 minutes.
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14
Using a slotted spatula, transfer the shanks and vegetables to a large bowl.
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15
Cover; set aside.
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16
Using a ladle, skim the fat from the surface of the cooking liquid; cook over medium heat until the liquid is thickened, 5 to 7 minutes.
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17
Return the shanks and vegetables to the pan; cook until heated through.
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18
Remove from heat, and season with salt and pepper.