Beer-Braised Spiced Pork Shanks

Pork shanks slowly braised in beer and spices until fork-tender.

This deliciously rustic recipe from Brittany combines staple ingredients from the region: pork, shallots and amber beer. Plump, bone-in pork shanks are slowly braised in amber beer with spices, until fall-off-the-bone tender and incredibly fragrant. This is a robust, hearty dish to comfort the soul during Winter – yet I find it elegant enough to serve for a romantic dinner too.

• 2 whole fresh pork shanks, bone-in and skin on
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp (14g) unsalted butter
• 1/3 lb (150g) shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
• 1 lb (450g) carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
• 8 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 3 sprigs of thyme
• 3 cups (750ml/24oz) Amber beer
• 1 cup (250ml) beef stock (ideally, low sodium)