Delicious no matter the season, lamb shanks are especially appropriate during the cold winter months, when we turn our attention to hearty soups and stews, osso bucco and other slow-roasted one-pot dinners.

These lamb shanks are brought to you by Niman Ranch and its network of family ranchers, who raise lamb humanely and sustainably in the U.S. Mild and buttery in flavor, shanks are sourced from the front of the lamb leg (foreshanks) and derive most flavor from the bone and marrow. The cut is best when slowly braised in a mixture of stock, wine and vegetables until the meat is fall-of-the-bone tender.

For a cold-weather comfort-food feast, serve shanks with a side of mashed potatoes, polenta or rice and plenty of pan sauce.