Lamb Osso Buco with Shell Bean Ragoût, Haricots Verts, and Tapenade
This was one of our first Sunday suppers at Lucques. It’s a variation on the classic osso buco, which is traditionally made with veal shanks. I use the same technique, but for this lighter summer version I braise the lamb shanks in white wine and a combination of veal and chicken stock (as opposed to straight veal stock). The tender shanks are a rich counterpoint to the freshness of the shell beans and crunch of the haricots verts. Ask your butcher for lamb osso buco, but if you can’t find it you can use lamb shanks.
You can braise the lamb a day or even two before serving. Just remember to marinate it one day before you braise. You can also cook the shell beans and blanch the haricots verts in advance; just wait to sauté them for the ragoût until right before serving. The tapenade can be made a few hours ahead as well.