

In a flame proof casserole dish, fry the vegetables in some of the olive oil, without browning, until tender. Add the thyme, bay leaves, garlic, tomato, wine and stock. Bring to the boil and lower to a gentle simmer.
Heat a little more olive in a separate pan and brown the shanks on all sides, seasoning as you go. Transfer to the casserole dish and cover, or place in a roasting tin and cover with foil. Cook in the over for 1 1/2 hours until tender and coming off the bone. Remove the shanks from the pan and keep warm while you finish the sauce. Skim off some of the fat that is floating to the surface. Taste for seasoning. Boil to reduce if you think it needs it.
Serve a lamb shank on each warmed plate with some sauce poured over, plus the nicoise.
Nicoise
Saute the courgettes in 1 tablespoon of oilive oil. Cool. Dress the tomatoes with vinaigrette. Combine all the vegetables and olives, season lightly with salt and pepper, and toss with the remaining olive oil and parsley. Leave to come to room temperature.
Garnish the nicoise with rosemary and serve the lamb shanks with a generous drizzle of the braising sauce.