Indian Spiced Lamb Chops With Cucumber Salad Recipes

LAMB CHOPS WITH INDIAN SPICES

Steps:

• Marinate the chops in the lime juice, vinegar, chilli powder and a pinch of salt while you make the rest of the marinade.
• Heat 100ml of the oil in a small saucepan and add the gram flour, stirring continuously for a minute or two until the flour forms a smooth sandy paste and you begin to smell a nutty aroma. Transfer the paste to a bowl and leave to cool.
• Crush the star anise using a pestle and mortar, then tip into a food processor with the chillies, garlic, papaya and the remaining oil and blend to a smooth paste. Mix both pastes over the marinated meat and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.
• To cook the chops, preheat the oven to fan 180C/conventional 200C/gas 6. Lift the chops out of the marinade and wipe off any excess so the chops are just lightly coated. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large frying pan and fry the chops in batches for a couple of minutes on each side until browned. Transfer to a roasting tray and roast for 10-20 minutes depending on how pink you like your lamb. Serve the chops with mint sauce and winter salad.

SPICED LAMB CHOPS WITH FENNEL AND CUCUMBER

Steps:

• Using a knife, mortar and pestle or spice grinder, finely chop or coarsely grind fennel seed. (Just grind it enough to break down the whole seeds: You're not looking for a powder.)
• Season lamb with salt, pepper and fennel seed.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place lamb fat-side-down in the skillet and cook until it's a good golden brown, about 2 minutes. (This also renders some of the fat, which you'll sear the meat in.) Using tongs, turn the lamb and cook until it's nicely browned on each side, 1 to 2 minutes per side, which will give you medium-rare meat. Transfer lamb to a cutting board to rest for at least 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, toss sliced fennel bulb, cucumber and shallot in a medium bowl. Zest and juice 1 lemon and add to the fennel. Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve lamb chops whole on a large serving platter, or slice lamb away from the bone or rib about 1/4-inch thick, then transfer to a large serving platter or divide among plates. Cut remaining lemon in half and squeeze over lamb. Scatter with dill or mint and serve alongside fennel salad and cooked grains, if you like.

INDIAN LAMB CHOPS

Steps:

• Put the lamb and all the first marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Chill for at least 2 hrs, and up to 4 hrs.
• Blend all the second marinade ingredients together. Remove the lamb from the first marinade and put it in a clean bowl. Add the second marinade and rub it into the lamb, then chill for a further 4 hrs, or overnight.
• Light a barbecue with a lid, then barbecue the chops on a high heat until cooked to medium (around 8 mins), making sure the meat isn't directly on the flame to avoid burning the spices. The key is to keep the lid on so the temperature is consistent. Or cook in the oven on a baking tray for 12 mins, and finish off under the grill for 2 mins to crisp them up. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over and green chutney on the side (see our recipe).

LAMB CHOPS WITH CARROT PUREE AND CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Put the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss. Let sit 20 minutes to drain.
• Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, coriander and turmeric and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add 1 cup water, the cilantro stems and carrots and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a food processor and puree until smooth, at least 1 minute. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; cover to keep warm.
• Gently squeeze out any excess water from the cucumbers and transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons olive oil, the vinegar, cilantro leaves, garlic and jalapeno; season with pepper.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper; rub all over with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Cook the lamb chops two at a time, turning once, until browned, 6 to 7 minutes for medium doneness. Serve with the carrot puree and cucumber salad.