Ep 9. Braised Lamb Shank on Barley Risotto with Joachim Splichal

In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs season 1 episode 9, Joachim Splichal demonstrates how to make a delicious and savory Braised Lamb Shank on Barley Risotto. Splichal is an award-winning French chef who has worked with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, and he brings his skills and expertise to Julia Child's kitchen to share with viewers.

The episode begins with Splichal preparing the lamb shank for braising. He seasons the meat generously with salt and pepper and browns it in a heavy pot. Next, he adds chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and sautés them until they are soft and fragrant. He then adds garlic, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves to infuse the lamb with rich flavors.

To make the risotto, Splichal blends pearl barley with sautéed onions and garlic in a separate pot. He gradually adds chicken stock to the barley while stirring constantly to create a creamy, risotto-like consistency. He then adds freshly grated Parmesan cheese to give the risotto a rich, nutty flavor.

Splichal returns to the lamb shank and adds red wine, beef stock, and canned tomatoes to the pot. He brings the mixture to a simmer and allows the lamb to cook slowly for several hours until it is tender and falls off the bone. He then removes the meat from the pot and reduces the sauce until it is thick and rich.

To assemble the dish, Splichal places a bed of barley risotto on a plate and tops it with a generous serving of braised lamb shank. He spoons the thick, rich sauce over the top and garnishes the dish with freshly chopped parsley.

Throughout the episode, Splichal provides helpful tips and tricks for cooking lamb and creating a perfect risotto. He emphasizes the importance of browning the meat before braising it to create a flavorful crust and adds that using canned tomatoes in the braising liquid helps to balance the acidity of the red wine.

Overall, Braised Lamb Shank on Barley Risotto with Joachim Splichal is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Splichal's expert techniques and insights make it easy for viewers to follow along and create this dish in their own kitchens.