Lamb shanks have symbolic importance on the Passover Seder plate, but they also make a delicious entree for the holiday -- or for any festive meal.

The shank, which is the lower part of the leg, is one of those great economy cuts that becomes tender and flavorful when slowly braised with aromatic spices and vegetables. Mediterranean flavors -- olives, lemon, garlic, tomatoes, fennel, rosemary, thyme, mint, oregano -- are favorites.

Here are tips:

• Buy one shank per person. They typically weigh 1 pound each, but much of that is bone.

• You can braise on the stove top, but the oven provides better all-around heat. Be sure to choose a heavy, lidded pot with heat-proof handles and knobs.

• Let the shanks come to room temperature and pat them dry with paper towels before starting the recipe.

• Be patient when browning; let the meat cook undisturbed for several minutes before turning.

• The meat will steam rather than brown if you crowd the pan, so don't.

• Skim the fat off occasionally during cooking and when the dish is finished. If you can cook it ahead and refrigerate, the hardened fat will be easy to remove before you rewarm the dish.

Carole Kotkin is manager of the Ocean Reef Club cooking school and co-author of Mmmmiami: Tempting Tropical Tastes for Home Cooks Everywhere.

Join the discussion

Note: If this is your first time using our NEW commenting system, you will have to LOG OUT and then LOG BACK IN.

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.CommentBody@

@Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@