Lamb Shanks in Yogurt Sauce Over Vermicelli Rice Bowl

Name: Lamb Shanks in Yogurt Sauce Over Vermicelli Rice Bowl
Cuisine: Syrian
Ingredients: 4 to 6 large lamb shanks, trimmed of any excess fat; 2 teaspoons ground allspice; 2 tablespoons (28 ml) cooking oil (mild flavored, neutral oil); 2 tablespoons (28 ml) cooking oil (mild flavored, neutral oil); 2 tablespoons (28 ml) cooking oil (mild flavored, neutral oil); 2 onions, roughly chopped; 2 green cardamom pods; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 whole cloves; 2 bay leaves; 5 to 6 cups (1.2 to 1.4 L) stock (of choice), plus more as needed; 2 cups (460 g) whole-fat yogurt; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ½ cup (120 ml) lamb stock from the braising liquid; ½ cup (120 ml) lamb stock from the braising liquid; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon pepper, to taste; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons (2 g) minced fresh cilantro; ½ teaspoon dried mint; 2 thin pita breads, roughly torn into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons (28 ml) olive oil; Toasted pine nuts; Fresh parsley or mint leaves; Fresh parsley or mint leaves; Chili flakes (optional); Lemon wedges

Preparation info

Makes
4
servings

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Mediterranean Bowls

By Mahy Elamin

Published 2026

About

The more you try authentic Middle Eastern recipes, the more you realize that Syrian food is distinctively tasty. So, while there are a few versions of Lamb Shanks in Yogurt Sauce, this bowl is the Syrian version. Slow-cooked lamb shanks are cooked in aromatics and then drenched in a warm garlicky yogurt sauce and sprinkled with plenty of toasted pine nuts. The best way to complete the bowl is with some buttery vermicelli rice and tangy fattoush salad. This bowl captures so many beautiful fl

Ingredients

Asia
Syria
Main course
Mediterranean

Ingredients

Method