Lamb Shanks Braised with Tomatoes and Fennel

Preparation

1. With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 170 °C (325 °F).
2. In a large ovenproof pan, brown the shanks on all sides in 30 ml (2 tablespoons) oil. Season with salt and pepper. Set the shanks aside on a plate.
3. Remove the fat from the pan. Brown the fennel and onion in the remaining oil. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze with the Pernod and reduce until almost dry.
4. Put the lamb back in the pan. Add the tomatoes and rosemary. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook for about 2 ½ hours or until the meat falls off the bone. Add the beans and cook for 15 additional minutes. Remove the rosemary. Adjust seasoning.