Slow-roasted Lamb Shank and Barley Soup

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Chef Miška Tolj-Turkić (@chefmiska)

This hearty and comforting lamb shank and barley soup is slow-roasted to perfection, creating a rich and flavorful dish. The tender lamb, combined with pearl barley and aromatic vegetables, makes for a satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy dinner. The addition of lemon zest and parsley adds a fresh touch to this classic recipe.

Slow-roasted Lamb Shank and Barley Soup recipe

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Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
3hr 0min
Total Time
3hr 20min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl of soup)
  • French-trimmed lamb shanks
    French-trimmed lamb shanks
    6lb
  • Plain flour, to dust
    Plain flour, to dust
  • extra virgin olive oil
    extra virgin olive oil
    2 1/2tbsp
  • small eschalots, peeled
    small eschalots, peeled
    8
  • garlic, bruised
    garlic, bruised
    3clove
  • carrot, roughly chopped
    carrot, roughly chopped
    1
  • celery stalk, roughly chopped
    celery stalk, roughly chopped
    1
  • thyme
    thyme
    5sprigs
  • fresh bay leaves
    fresh bay leaves
    2
  • white wine
    white wine
    3/4cup
  • beef stock
    beef stock
    8cups
  • pearl barley
    pearl barley
    3/4cup
  • Finely grated lemon zest, to serve
    Finely grated lemon zest, to serve
  • Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves, to serve
    Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves, to serve

How to make Slow-roasted Lamb Shank and Barley Soup

  1. Step 1

    Dust lamb shanks in flour, shake off excess flour, and season all over. Heat oil in a large ovenproof stockpot or saucepan with a lid over high heat. Sear lamb, turning frequently, for 4-5 minutes, until browned all over. Remove from pot and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Preheat oven to 160°C/140°C fan-forced.

  3. Step 3

    Add whole eschalots, garlic, carrot, celery, and herbs to the pot, drizzling in a little extra oil if needed. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.

  4. Step 4

    Return lamb to the pot, increase heat to high, and add wine, scraping the base of the pan with a spoon. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until evaporated. Add stock, barley, and enough water to cover lamb by 5cm. Bring to the boil, skimming any impurities that rise to the surface. Braise, covered, in the oven for 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, until meat falls off the bone.

  5. Step 5

    Remove pot from oven and transfer lamb to a large heatproof bowl. Set aside to serve the meat on the bone, or when shanks are cool enough to handle, shred meat from bones, discarding bones.

  6. Step 6

    Place pot over high heat and return to the boil. Skim any fat and impurities that rise to the surface. Season to taste and add a little extra stock or water if the soup is too thick. Return meat to soup and stir to combine.

  7. Step 7

    To serve, divide soup among bowls, scatter with lemon zest and parsley, and drizzle with extra oil.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

1193.1kcal (59.66%)

Protein

132.2g (100%)

Carbs

34.2g (12.43%)

Sugars

1.6g (3.14%)

Healthy Fat

35.6g

Unhealthy Fat

19.7g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a more intense flavor, marinate the lamb shanks overnight with herbs and garlic before cooking.

  2. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of liquid slightly or add more barley.

  3. Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and taste.

  4. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of meat?

    Yes, you can substitute lamb shanks with beef shanks or pork shanks, but the cooking time may vary.

  2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

    Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

  3. Can I freeze the soup?

    Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.

  4. What can I use instead of pearl barley?

    You can substitute pearl barley with farro, quinoa, or rice, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

  5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour for dusting the lamb and replace pearl barley with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice.

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Chef Miška Tolj-Turkić

(@chefmiska)

Chef Miška Tolj-Turkić is a Croatian/Australian dual citizen, born in Western Australia, who's families migrated from Croatia in the 1920s. Originally raised in the lush

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