Apricot Mint Chimichurri Recipes

CALIFORNIA BRICK CHICKEN WITH APRICOT-MINT CHIMICHURRI

Steps:

• Remove the backbone from one of the chickens. Split the breast plate and press down on the chicken in all joints to flatten it. Tuck the wings under so that the chicken lies flat. This will help it cook evenly. Repeat with the second chicken.
• In a small bowl, combine the chile powders, paprika, fennel, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then rub the mixture all over the flattened chickens, making sure you get it into all the gaps in and around the joints. Marinate the chickens in the refrigerator for 1 hour uncovered. (Leaving the chicken uncovered helps the crust dry out and ensures you get a nice crispy skin when it cooks.)
• Heat a grill to medium heat and rub down the grates with a lightly oiled paper towel to clean it and create a nonstick surface. Place the chickens skin side down on the grill. Watch for flare-ups when the chicken initially hits the grill, as the fat will render and drip down. If necessary, move the chicken to a new spot out of the flames. This will occur only in the initial drop. Place foil-wrapped bricks on top of the chickens to flatten them as they cook.
• Cook for 15 minutes, then remove the bricks and flip the chicken. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature between the leg and thigh joint reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.
• Transfer the chickens to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing each one into 10 pieces. Serve with apricot-mint chimichurri.
• Place the apricots and honey in a glass bowl; cover with hot water and soak for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in salted, boiling water, blanch the mint, parsley, and cilantro for about 30 seconds. Shock immediately in ice water and spread on a paper towel-lined sheet to dry.
• Remove the apricots from the hot water and roughly chop. In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except the olive oil and process until all ingredients are finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly incorporate the olive oil and pulse until just combined (the consistency should be like a thick sauce). Cover and store in the refrigerator to meld, about 10 minutes.

DRY RUBBED AND ROASTED LAMB RIBS

Steps:

• For the cure: Combine the salt and pepper in a bowl. Generously cover the ribs with the cure. Place the ribs, uncovered, on a rack set in a baking pan or a tray. Marinate for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Rinse the ribs well under cold water, and pat dry thoroughly.
• For the dry rub: Toast the peppercorns and fennel seeds in a dry saute pan until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, grind the toasted spices. Combine the ground peppercorns and fennel seeds with the paprika, dried sage, dried thyme, granulated garlic, onion powder, sugar and bay leaf powder in a bowl, stirring to combine thoroughly.
• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and scatter the onions on the foil. Sprinkle the dry rub liberally over both sides of the ribs and place them, bone-side down, on top of the onions to prevent sticking. Add the vinegar to the pan and sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the ribs. Top with another piece of foil and crimp the edges together with the bottom piece of foil to create a large foil pouch. Roast until the ribs are tender and the meat has shrunk back from the bone, approximately 1 1/2 hours.
• Pour the pan juices through a strainer to remove the onions. Skim the fat and simmer the juices with the chicken stock in a saucepan over high heat until reduced by half.
• Cut the lamb racks into double rib portions, drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt. Crisp the exterior of the ribs on a hot grill or under a broiler for 5 minutes (meat-side only), basting occasionally with the reduced pan juices. Serve drizzled with the apricot mint chimichurri.
• Place the apricots and 1 teaspoon honey in a heat-proof bowl and cover with boiling water. Soak the apricots for 10 minutes to plump. Remove the apricots from the hot water and roughly chop.
• In a food processor, combine the mint, parsley, cilantro, vinegar, lemon zest and juice, garlic, adobo sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper, remaining tablespoon honey and olive oil and pulse until finely chopped. Add the rehydrated apricots and pulse until the consistency resembles a thick chunky sauce. Cover and store in the refrigerator to allow flavors to come together and serve with grilled meats.