Lamb Shanks with Prunes

Makes 4 servings

Great for company in the winter. Easy to make and delicious. Can be doubled.

ingredients

1 cup pitted prunes
1 cup dry red wine
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
4 lamb shanks
1 cup chopped onion
8 cloves garlic, slivered
1 red pepper slivered
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
salt and pepper
4 thyme sprigs
cayenne pepper
2 tsp orange zest

directions

Put prunes in a bowl with the wine and let marinate. Heat oil and brown lamb. Remove. Stir in onion and garlic and saute til soft. Add bell pepper, cumin and paprika. Saute a few seconds and return lamb to pot. Add thyme, prunes with the wine. Don’t worry if it looks like there isn’t enough liquid! Cook at 300 an hour, then turn shanks and add zest. Cook another 45 minutes. Will keep in a 200 oven while you have cocktails.

Source: Aunt Ellen