Sticky spiced lamb shanks
This hearty, slow-cooked lamb dish is perfect for two to share as the nights start drawing in
Melt butter and ½ tbsp oil in small saucepan, then fry cardamom, bay and cinnamon for 2 mins. Stir in rice to toast for 1 min, then cover with 200ml water. Bring to the boil, cover, then turn heat down and simmer for 5 mins. Stir in barberries, if using, and cook for 5 mins more. Mix saffron with a small splash of boiling water. Once almost all the water has been absorbed by the rice, scatter saffron on top. Cover again, turn off the heat and sit for 5 mins.
Meanwhile, fry cumin seeds, onions and some salt in the remaining oil until golden and beginning to crisp – this will take around 15 mins. Then spread onions on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
To serve, remove whole spices if you like, and scatter the onions on top.