Durban Spiced Lamb Shanks

Introduction to Durban Spiced Lamb Shanks

Durban, a vibrant city on South Africa's eastern coast, is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, particularly its distinctive Indian-influenced cuisine. Among the beloved dishes is the Durban Spiced Lamb Shanks. This dish combines traditional Indian spices with succulent lamb shanks to create a flavorful explosion that captures the essence of Durban's cultural melting pot. The history of this dish is deeply intertwined with the arrival of Indian indentured laborers in the 19th century, whose culinary heritage has shaped the region's food landscape.

Ingredients for Durban Spiced Lamb Shanks

• Lamb Shanks - 4 pieces
• Onion - 2 large, finely chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 2 tablespoons, minced
• Crushed Tomatoes - 1 can
• Tomato Paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin - 2 teaspoons
• Coriander - 2 teaspoons
• Turmeric - 1 teaspoon
• Cloves - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1 stick
• Cardamom - 4 pods
• Bay Leaves - 2
• Cayenne Pepper - 1 teaspoon
• Vegetable Oil - 4 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Water - 2 cups, as needed
• Fresh Coriander - for garnish

Preparation of Durban Spiced Lamb Shanks

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Dice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and measure out all your spices. This will make the cooking process seamless and stress-free.

Searing the Lamb Shanks

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper, and sear them on all sides until they are beautifully browned. This step is crucial for developing deep flavors. Once seared, set the lamb shanks aside.

Cooking Process for Durban Spiced Lamb Shanks

Sautéing Aromatics and Spices

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaves to the pot. Sauté the spices for a few minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and enhance their flavors.

Simmering the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Allow the mixture to cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to simmer and the flavors to meld. Add the cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, adjusting the amount to suit your heat preference.

Braising the Lamb Shanks

Return the seared lamb shanks to the pot, nestling them in the sauce. Pour in enough water to partially submerge the shanks. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow the shanks to braise for approximately 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Adjust the liquid level as needed throughout the cooking process, ensuring that the lamb remains moist.

Enjoying Durban Spiced Lamb Shanks

Serving Suggestions

Once the lamb shanks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pot. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve the lamb shanks with the sauce generously ladled on top, garnished with freshly chopped fresh coriander.

Accompaniments

Durban Spiced Lamb Shanks pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. A cool, refreshing cucumber yogurt salad can also balance the dish's heat, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Pairing with Beverages

Complement your meal with a hearty red wine, such as a Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, to enhance the richness of the lamb. Alternatively, a chilled lager or a traditional lassi can provide a refreshing contrast to the spices.

Relish every bite of this richly flavored dish, and enjoy a culinary journey to the heart of Durban with these Spiced Lamb Shanks.