Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank (Souris d’Agneau)
Lamb · Main Course · Provencal Recipes · Tasha Powell · TasteSlow-cooked lamb (agneau) dishes are typical on menus in Provence. You see sheep herds grazing in farmers’ fields or often free-range in the hills of the Alpilles, Luberon, Var and Haute Alpes de Provence. The animals may appear at liberty to roam but are under the watchful eyes of shepherds and their trusty dogs. The Great Pyrenees (pastous or patous) look like giant white teddy bears, but they have a job to do and will snap from half-sleeping mode to attack in a matter of seconds. So, it is better not to approach a herd of sheep.
By reputation, Sisteron’s lamb is some of the best quality in the region. Alternatively, buy direct from your butcher or the local farmer to ensure top quality.

Souris d’Agneau Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank
This recipe is one you can pretty much leave alone. Set a timer for the halfway point so you don't forget to turn the meat over. Check occasionally to make sure there is enough liquid. The mouthwatering aromas will fill your house.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 lamb shanks
- 4 oz (120 ml) olive oil
- 4 oz (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
- salt
- pepper
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp herbes de Provence
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken stock may vary depending on your pan
- 2 oz (60 g) butter
- 2 oz (60 g) flour all-purpose
Instructions
- Brush the lamb shanks with a mixture of olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and herbes de Provence.
- Place in a ceramic roasting pan, then add chicken stock to cover the shanks.
- Slow cook for 9 hours, flipping at 4.5 hours in a 350ºF (180ºC) oven.
- Before serving, turn the heat up to 400ºF (200ºC) and brown each side for 10 minutes.
- Make a roux using 2 oz of butter and 2 oz of flour. Add the lamb and stock juices to the roux and reduce until the juice begins to thicken.
- Serve with caramelized carrots and rocket salad.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
More Lamb Recipes to Try
Braised Lamb of Sisteron with Orange and Fennel
The combination of fennel and orange gives this lamb an irresistible, warm, zesty flavour. Using lamb from Sisteron, which is some of the best in Provence, adds extra flavour because of how the animals are raised and what they eat while grazing.
Check out this recipe
Lamb Tagine with Prunes and Almonds
A delicious Moroccan recipe that can easily be prepared in Provence!
Check out this recipe
Grilled Lamb Kebabs
Easy to prepare, but allow enough time to marinate before cooking.
Check out this recipe
Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables (Navarin d’Agneau)
Local free-range lamb is easy to find in Provence, so there are many typical dishes that you will find on menus. Navarin d’Agneau is a traditional slow-cooked stew made with root vegetables.
Check out this recipe
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