Spiced Lamb Chops With Fennel And Cucumber Recipes

LAMB CHOPS WITH FENNEL AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Toss the fennel and tomatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables on the baking sheet, with the tomatoes cut-side up. Roast until the tomatoes are soft and the fennel is golden, about 30 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Meanwhile, cook the garlic in the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until golden, about 3 minutes. Add the beans and 2 1/2 cups water and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens, about 15 minutes. Stir in the oregano and parmesan, if desired.
• Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the lamb with salt and pepper and grill until marked on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until just firm to the touch, 4 to 5 more minutes for medium-rare. Divide the beans among plates and top with the lamb and roasted vegetables.

INDIAN SPICED LAMB CHOPS WITH CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• To make the cucumber salad, Slice the cucumber and onion thinly and add to a medium bowl.
• Dissolve the sugar in the lemon juice/vinegar and add the salt and pepper. Pour over the cucumber and onion and allow to marinate for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Combine all the spices, garlic, ginger and olive oil in a small bowl and set aside.
• Rub the spice mixture into the lamb chops and repeat on the over side.
• Pan-fry/grill the lamb chops in a pre-heated pan/grill. You can also cook the lamb in the oven or on an outdoor grill/braai.
• Cook your lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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.

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.