Guinness Braised Beef Shanks

Makes 4 to 6 servings

4     beef shanks (about 3 to 3½
       pounds total), about 1¼ inches
       thick, 3 to 3½ inches in diameter,
       tied
1     teaspoon kosher salt, divided
¼    teaspoon freshly ground black
       pepper
1     teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1     tablespoon unsalted butter
1     medium onion, chopped
1     leek, white and light green parts
       only, halved and thinly sliced
2     medium carrots, peeled,
       quartered and cut into ½-inch
       slices
4     garlic cloves, chopped
1     teaspoon dried thyme
12   ounces Guinness beer
2     tablespoons tomato paste
4     sprigs parsley, chopped

Nutritional information per serving (based on 6
servings): Calories 373 (29% from fat) • carb. 9g pro. 51g • fat 12g • sat. fat 4g • chol. 94mg sod. 528mg • calc. 76mg • fiber 2g

1. Season beef with ½ teaspoon salt and
the pepper. Reserve.
2. Assemble the Cuisinart® Stack5® with the
baking pan and select 400°F. Add the oil
to the pan.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the beef shanks
and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each
side, until nicely browned. Remove and
reserve.
4. Add the butter to the pan and stir in the
chopped onions, leeks, carrots, celery,
garlic, thyme, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Cook until onions are translucent and
vegetables are slightly softened, about
5 minutes. Stir in the Guinness and
simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the
tomato paste. Nestle the shanks and any
accumulated liquid into the vegetables.
5. Cover and turn the temperature to 200°F.
Slow cook until completely tender, about
3 to 4 hours. Check occasionally during
the cooking time, as the temperature
may need to be adjusted to maintain a
slight simmer.
6. Blot the surface with a paper towel to
soak up any excess fat.
Stir in chopped parsley. Taste and adjust
seasoning according to preference