Spicy Lamb Shanks with Green Tea Rubs

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon green tea rubs (a mixture of green tea leaves, sugar, and spices)
• 2 lamb shanks, about 1-1.5 pounds each
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or more to taste for spiciness)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste for spiciness)
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Green Tea Rubs:

• Combine the green tea rubs ingredients in a small bowl. This mixture will be used to season the lamb shanks.

Season the Lamb Shanks:

• Pat the lamb shanks dry with paper towels and rub them all over with the green tea rubs, pressing the rubs into the meat to ensure they adhere well.

Brown the Lamb Shanks:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks on all sides until browned, then remove them from the pot and set aside.

Create the Sauce:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Liquids:

• Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the tomato sauce, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.

Return the Lamb Shanks:

• Place the browned lamb shanks back into the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.

Check for Doneness:

• After the lamb has cooked, check for doneness. If it's not tender enough, continue to simmer, checking every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired tenderness.

Finish and Serve:

• Once the lamb shanks are tender, remove them from the pot and place them on a serving platter. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Pour the sauce over the lamb shanks and garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions. Serve the Spicy Lamb Shanks with Green Tea Rubs with a side of your choice, such as rice or mashed potatoes, and enjoy the unique combination of flavors from the green tea rubs and spicy seasonings.