Barbecue Lamb Courgette Salad Food

GRILLED LAMB BURGERS WITH GRILLED FETA PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• For the burgers: combine the lamb, garlic, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well with your hands and form into two 4-inch patties. Season the patties lightly with salt and pepper. Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap and pack in a cooler or store in the refrigerator.
• For the pasta salad: Bring salted water to boil in a large pot. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled. Pat dry and pack in a container with a lid, making sure it is large enough to also fit the vegetables in the salad. Add to the cooler or store in the refrigerator.
• Preheat a small grill to medium-high heat and brush with olive oil. Brush the feta, scallions, eggplant, bell pepper and zucchini with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add the feta and vegetables to the grill. Cook the feta until charred and slightly softened, turning once, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. Grill the vegetables, turning once, until charred and cooked through, 2 minutes for the scallions and 8 to 10 minutes for the eggplant, zucchini and bell pepper. Transfer to the cutting board. Coarsely chop the feta and vegetables and add to the container with the pasta. Drizzle with the Greek dressing and tear the basil leaves over top. Toss and let sit to develop the flavors while you grill the burgers.
• Brush the grill with oil again and add the burgers and onions. Grill until the underside of the burgers is well charred, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook until the second side is charred, 4 to 5 minutes for medium doneness. (For well-done burgers, cook about 6 minutes per side.) Cook the onions until charred and floppy, about 3 minutes per side. Toast the cut sides of the buns on the grill during the final minute.
• To serve, spread the tzatziki on the top and bottom of the buns. Add some onions and a lettuce leaf each. Top with the burgers and bun tops. Toss the pasta salad once more and serve.

LAMB CHOPS WITH GRIDDLED COURGETTE & FETA SALAD

Steps:

• Heat a griddle over a high heat. Mix 1 tbsp oil with the thyme and seasoning, and brush over the lamb chops. Cook the chops for 3-4 mins each side, then stand them up and griddle the fat for 1-2 mins. Remove to a plate, wrap in foil and leave to rest.
• Brush the courgettes with the remaining oil and season. Griddle for 2-3 mins each side until they are soft and have griddle marks - you may need to do this in 2 batches. Meanwhile, cook the mangetout for 2-3 mins in a medium pan of boiling water. Drain and tip into a large bowl with the courgettes. To make a dressing, mix the vinegar, mustard, chilli flakes (if using), mint and basil. Toss the courgettes and mangetout in the dressing. Crumble over the feta and serve the veg with the lamb chops.

BAKED COURGETTES STUFFED WITH SPICED LAMB & TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Make the tomato sauce in a medium pan by heating the oil and frying the garlic for 2-3 mins until soft, then adding the spices and frying for 1 min more. Pour in the tomatoes and sugar and simmer with half a tin of water for 20 mins, until thickened. Season.
• Meanwhile, scoop out and discard some of the flesh of the courgettes and lay them in 1 large or 2 small roasting trays, drizzle with the oil and bake for 15 mins until golden and softened slightly.
• For the stuffing, mix the lamb with the spices and some salt. Try not to squash it together too much, instead lightly mix it with your hands until just combined. When the courgettes are ready, pile the lamb into the cavities and drizzle on the sauce. Bake for 15-20 mins until the sauce is bubbling. Top with the coriander and serve.

COURGETTE SALAD

Steps:

• Grate the courgettes on the coarse side of your grater.
• Toss them with the olive oil, lemon or lime juice, clear honey, poppy seeds and the crushed garlic clove. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve as soon as possible (or it will get too watery), with sizzling barbecued chicken or lamb, kebabs or burgers.