Braised Lamb Shanks a la Emeril

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lamb shanks, cut into 1 1/2-inch sections
• Salt and pepper
• Oil, for sauteing
• Flour, for dredging
• 1 cup sliced onions
• 1 cup sliced fennel bulbs
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 3 cups light stock
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 2 ounces feta, crumbled

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Highly season the lamb shanks on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1/2 cup oil in a large Dutch oven. Dredge the shanks in the flour, shake off any excess flour. Sear the shanks on both sides until golden brown. Add the onions, fennel, and garlic. Cook for 4 minutes, moving everything around to ensure it's all cooking. Add the wine, tomatoes, and stock. Bring to a boil, cover, and place in the oven.

Cook for 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is so tender it falls from the bone. Adjust the seasonings. Remove from the dutch oven, and place on a platter. Top with chopped oregano, olives, and feta.