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1
Make the lamb a day in advance: Make several incisions in the shanks with a paring knife and slide a slice of garlic into each slit.
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2
Place the shanks in a large baking dish, drizzle with the lemon juice, turning to coat, and season with salt and pepper on all sides.
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3
Mix the parsley, thyme and marjoram in a small bowl, then rub the herbs over the lamb.
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4
Cover and set aside at room temperature for 1 hour.
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5
After 30 minutes, place a Dutch oven or covered ovenproof pot in the oven and preheat to 500 degrees for at least 30 minutes.
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6
Transfer the shanks to a plate and drizzle with the melted butter; reserve the marinade.
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7
Carefully remove the preheated pot from the oven.
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8
Working quickly, add the shanks, making sure at least one side of each touches the hot pot.
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9
Return the pot to the oven, uncovered, and place the lid on another oven rack to keep it hot.
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10
Roast the shanks for 25 minutes.
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11
Meanwhile, bring the reserved marinade and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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12
Pour the hot marinade over the shanks, then place a large sheet of heavy-duty foil over the pot and cover with the hot lid.
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13
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and roast 45 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 200 degrees and cook 30 more minutes.
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14
Turn off the oven and leave the lamb inside, undisturbed, to finish cooking, 20 minutes.
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15
Remove the lamb from the cooking liquid and place in a shallow baking dish.
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16
Refrigerate the meat and the sauce separately overnight.
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17
When ready to serve, position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees.
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18
Drizzle the shallots with olive oil in a small baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
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19
Cover the lamb loosely with foil.
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20
Bake the lamb and shallots for 25 to 30 minutes, uncovering the lamb and brushing lightly with melted butter after 15 minutes.
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21
Meanwhile, discard the fat from the chilled sauce and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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22
Drizzle the finished lamb and shallots with the sauce and garnish with parsley.
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23
Photograph by Con Poulos