Lamb Shanks Braised in Merlot With Figs

DIRECTIONS

• Place the lamb shanks in a deep dish with the onions celery, olives, capers, dried figs, black pepper, rosemary and garlic.
• Pour over the merlot and marinate, covered, in the fridge for at least 4 hours-24 hours for preference.
• Remove the shanks from the marinade.
• Reserve the marinade.
• Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan and brown the shanks on all sides.
• Transfer them to a casserole dish.
• Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir over a moderately high heat until it becomes a deep reddish brown colour.
• add the stock and bring to the boil.
• Pour over the meat and add the reserved marinade ingredients.
• Cover and cook at 160c for 2-2 1/2 hours or until the meat is nearly falling foo the bone.
• Season to taste, serve over mash with greens on the side.