Spiced Lamb Chops With Fennel And Cucumber Recipes

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.

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.

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.

Steps:

• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat) or preheat broiler. Brush lamb on all sides with curry paste. Let stand 15 minutes.
• Toast cumin seeds in small skillet over medium heat 1 minute. Place seeds in resealable plastic bag; coarsely crush with rolling pin. Mix cumin, yogurt, cucumber, and mint in small bowl.
• Grill or broil lamb chops until charred outside and pink inside, about 3 minutes per side. Serve with cucumber-mint sauce on the side.