Slow Cooked Spiced Lamb Shanks with Dates

This was a definite result a sticky brown sauce  from dates and caramalised onions  and the meat from the shanks falls off the bone . Lovely with mashed potatoes or some fluffy cous cous.

Slow Cooked Spiced Lamb Shanks with Dates

2 Lamb Shanks
2 handfuls of dates cut into quarters
1 pint of water
2 medium onions finely sliced
2 garlic cloves finely chopped
2 tbsp of ras al hanout
1 star anise
2 tbsp of olive oil

1. Rub the ras al hanout over the lamb shanks
2. Heat the olive oil in a cast iron dish
3. Brown the lamb on all sides,  add the onions and garlic
4. Pour over the water and bring to a gentle simmer
5. Cover and place in a medium oven 180degC for two hours.
6. If possible leave overnight in the oven and reheat for at least 20 minutes at 180degC
7. If it is not possible to leave overnight allow to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving