Lamb Shanks on Cannellini Beans

• lamb shanks↗6

  (3/4 lb), trimmed

• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• black pepper↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• finely chopped carrots2 cups
• finely chopped onion1 cup
• finely chopped celery1 cup
• dry red wine↗1 cup
• beef broth↗1⁄2 cup
• rosemary↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons

  dried

• diced tomatoes2

  15 ounce

• bay leaves↗2
• dried cannellini beans↗1 cup
• bacon↗4

  slices

• garlic cloves↗4

  sliced

• rosemary sprig↗

  optional

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper. Heat a large nonstick skillet over med-high heat. Add lamb;cook 12 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove from skillet.

2. 2

   Add carrots,onions, and celery to skillet;saute 3 minutes. Add wine. Bring to a boil; cook 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in broth, rosemary, tomatoes, and bay leaves. Return lamb to skillet (skillet will be very full). Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 2 hours or until lamb is very tender, turning lamb once. Remove lamb from skillet, bring liquid to a boil, and cook 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves.

4. 4

   Sort and wash beans; place in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water to 2 inches above beans; bring to a boil, and cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. Drain beans; place in Dutch oven. Cover with water 2 inches above beans; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour or until tender. Drain.

5. 5

   Cook bacon in the Dutch oven over med-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon from Dutch oven, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings in Dutch oven. Crumble bacon. Heat drippings over med-high heat. Add garlic; saute 2 minutes or until golden. Stir in beans and bacon; remove from heat.

6. 6

   Divide beans evenly among 6 plates, arrange lamb on beans. Spoon sauce over lamb. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.