Seared Lamb With A Smoky Slather Recipes

SPICE-RUBBED LAMB SKEWERS WITH HERB-YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Slice lamb into 12 strips, each 1/2-inch thick, about 2 inches wide and 4 to 6 inches long. Place in a dish and rub with 1 tablespoon oil. Mix paprika, cumin, 3/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt together and rub over meat. Cover and set aside for 4 hours at room temperature. Place 12 8-inch bamboo skewers in water.
• Mince garlic and herbs by hand or machine. Place in a serving bowl and add yogurt and 2 tablespoons oil. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water to thin to saucelike consistency. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper and add salt to taste. Refrigerate.
• About 30 minutes before serving, heat grill or broiler. Heat remaining oil in a skillet, add onion and sauté over medium heat until just starting to brown. Place in a serving dish.
• Thread meat on skewers and sear quickly on grill or broiler, 1 1/2 to 3 minutes a side for medium-rare to medium. Arrange on a platter, lightly toast cut sides of pita breads on grill or under broiler. Arrange in a basket. Serve kebabs with pita, onions and sauce.

GRILLED RACKS OF LAMB WITH SMOKY SEASONINGS

Steps:

• Mix paprika, chilies, mint, thyme and 1 tablespoon olive oil to make a paste. With a sharp knife, make cuts about an inch deep at top end of racks, where chops can be separated; cut as if you were starting to slice rack into individual chops. Place about a half-teaspoon of spice and herb mixture into each cut.
• Place racks in a shallow dish, combine remaining olive oil with vinegar and wine, and pour mixture over racks. Turn racks to coat and marinate 2 to 3 hours, turning once or twice.
• Heat charcoal or gas grill. When coals are hot but not flaming, or gas grill is about 600 degrees, place racks on grill, fat side down. Sear about 2 minutes, turn, and cook about 20 minutes. Cover briefly if meat flames up. For medium rare, instant-read thermometer should read 120 degrees. Alternatively, racks can be roasted in a 450-degree oven for about 25 minutes.
• Remove meat from grill or oven. Allow to rest 10 minutes, carve into individual chops and serve.

SEARED LAMB WITH A SMOKY SLATHER

Steps:

• Combine tea, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme leaves and olive oil, and mix well. Place lamb in a dish and rub half the tea mixture on one side. Turn it over and slather the second side. If possible, set aside at room temperature up to 3 hours.
• Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place turnips and potatoes in a saucepan of salted water, bring to a simmer and cook until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
• As turnips and potatoes cook, place a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet, preferably cast iron, on the stove over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Place lamb in pan and sear until browned on the bottom, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Turn lamb and place pan in the oven. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted in a thick part of the meat should register 120 degrees for medium-rare.
• Remove lamb to a cutting board. Place skillet back on stove. Drain turnips and potatoes, place in skillet and briefly roll them in the pan drippings to pick up some color. Transfer them to a bowl, cover and keep warm; your turned-off oven comes in handy here.
• Add wine to skillet and cook on medium, scraping the pan, until it's somewhat reduced. Whisk in butter, season with salt and pepper and turn off heat. Slice lamb and arrange on a large platter. Spoon turnips and potatoes around it. Briefly reheat the sauce, spoon it over the meat, drop a few sprigs of thyme on top and serve.