- cooking spray
- 2 pounds beef shanks
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 large yellow onions, halved and sliced
- 2 large white onions, halved and sliced
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 quarts vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat; grease with cooking spray. Cook beef shanks until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a large plate.
- Melt butter in the same pot. Add yellow onions, white onions, and kosher salt; cook and stir until soft and lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour until onions and garlic are coated. Add vegetable broth gradually, stirring until it is absorbed.
- Season soup with Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper. Return beef shanks to the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beef falls off the bone, 3 to 4 hours.
- Transfer beef shanks to a cutting board with a slotted spoon. Shred beef and return to the pot. Discard bones.