Greek Lamb Shank Bake

Another one tray bake that is perfect for the whole family. Lamb, garlic, lemon and herbs make for a fragrant and flavour filled dish that is suitable for everyone at the table.

It is a myth that babies need teeth before they can eat meat, the meat just needs to be nice and soft so little bubs can manage to break it up with ease. The lamb in this recipe is cooked low and slow while covered in stock, to make it super soft for little gums.

It is also a myth that babies need or want bland food when starting solids. The sooner you get them exposed to a variety of foods and flavours the better! This dish has some mild acidity from the lemon, garlic and lovely herbs to really get their taste buds going. It is appropriate from 6+ months, but use the squish test (squeezing food between your thumb and index finger), to make sure it is soft enough for little bubs.

Add a little feta and an extra squeeze of lemon for the older kids, or adults, at the table to add another layer of Greek flavour.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: About 3.5 hours
Serves: 5–6
Freezer friendly: Yes
Texture: Soft, slow-cooked

Age & Texture Guidance

Suitable from 6 months, using the squish test to make sure everything is soft enough.
6–9 months: shred the soft lamb finely and smash the potato so it can be loaded onto a spoon or grasped easily.
9–12 months: offer soft shredded lamb and veggie pieces sized for the pincer grasp.
12 months+: serve as a family meal, cut into bite-sized pieces.

Allergens Present

No common priority allergens in the base dish. The optional feta served for older kids and adults contains dairy.

Why We Love This Recipe

• A whole-family one-tray dinner
• Lamb cooked low and slow until soft for little gums
• Gentle herbs and lemon to build little taste buds
• Freezer friendly leftovers