Loin Of Lamb In Salt Crust Recipes

WHOLE BONELESS LAMB LOIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• On a large cutting surface, lay out lamb, cut side up so that it folds open. Sprinkle the inside with salt and Essence. Place a rosemary stalk inside. Tie lamb up with another rosemary stalk so that it is rolled and secure. Season the outside of the lamb with more salt, and the coriander and cumin.
• In large saute pan over high heat, add olive oil and heat until hot, but not smoking. Add lamb and sear, on all sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes, being careful not to let the rosemary burn. Transfer to oven and continue cooking for another 20 minutes, or until medium rare. Remove from oven and set aside for 10 minutes while preparing couscous.
• Slice into 1-inch pieces. Serve atop couscous.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William Morrow, 1993.
• In a large bowl, combine the couscous and salt. Pour the boiling water over the mixture, cover, and let stand until the water is absorbed and the couscous is puffed, about 6 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork. Add the pistachios, mint, and oil. Adjust seasoning, to taste. Serve hot.

SALT CRUST DOUGH

Steps:

• Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and knead in the bowl until completely mixed. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
• When ready to use, dust a large piece of parchment paper with flour. Place a portion of the dough on the paper and cover with a second piece of parchment. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Remove the top piece of parchment. Invert the dough over the food to be covered and remove the other sheet of parchment. Adjust the shape of the dough and remove any excess as needed

SALT-CRUSTED LEG OF LAMB

Steps:

• Finely chop fennel seeds, lemon peel, rosemary, peppercorns, and bay leaves in a food processor. Transfer 3/4 cup of mixture to a bowl; stir in oil.
• Heat broiler with rack in middle of oven. Place lamb on a rimmed baking sheet; rub with oil. Broil until browned, flipping once, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack set on another baking sheet; let cool. Reduce oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine remaining herb mixture with salt in a large bowl. Stir in egg whites and 1 cup water. Rub herb oil over lamb. Mound 3 cups of salt mixture in middle of a roasting pan. Place lamb on top. Pack remaining salt on lamb to cover as best as possible. Bake until a thermometer inserted in thickest part (without touching bone) registers 145 degrees, about 90 minutes. Remove salt crust, brushing off bits. Let lamb stand 30 minutes; carve and serve, with lemon wedges.