Braised Lamb Shanks with Artichokes & Fava Beans

Preparation

1. Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown each shank on all sides. Combine butter and thyme leaves, baste shanks. Remove shanks from pan. Add broth, garlic and onions. Simmer for 6 minutes. Stir to get all of the delicious particles from bottom of pan. Arrange lamb shanks in large roasting pan. Pour in broth mixture. Add thyme bundle. Cover with foil. Cook in 325° oven for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
2. To prepare artichokes combine in a medium bowl wine, chicken broth and oil. In pot with lid (large enough to hold artichokes in single layer), combine leeks, carrots, onion, and 1 cup broth mixture. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook on low heat for 10 minutes. Add garlic and artichokes stem-side up, cover and cook 5 additional minutes. Pour in remaining broth, cover and cook over low heat 35 to 40 minutes until artichoke bottoms can be easily pierced with fork. Place artichokes and broth into a shallow container along with thyme. Allow to cool. Remove artichokes from broth, reserving broth. Cut into wedges, removing inside fuzzy section.
3. Remove shanks, cover and keep warm. Strain liquid and skim off fat. In pan combine broth from shanks and artichokes, add 1/2 cup lemon juice. Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 10 minutes. Warm artichoke wedges in broth just before serving.
4. Place each shank in large shallow bowl with broth, onions and artichoke wedges. Sprinkle with tomato pieces, fava beans and dill.