Fragrant Lamb Chops With Tomatoes And Cinnamon Food

"GREEK" LAMB WITH ORZO

Steps:

• In a good sized Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it is shimmering. Add the lamb and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a good grinding of black pepper. Cook, stirring to break it apart, until it is nicely browned. Remove the lamb with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 2 tablespoons of the fat.
• Return the pot to the stovetop and add olive oil and the onion (still over medium-high). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic. Stir in the spices (cinnamon, oregano, cumin, coriander, and red pepper)and cook until they start smelling toasted and fragrant (1 to 2 minutes). Stir in the whole tomatoes, crushed by hand. Cook the crushed tomatoes in the spices, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
• Add the cooked lamb back to the pot, give it a good stir, then cover the pot and leave it to cook, stirring from time to time, for 20 minutes. At this point, stir in the fresh spinach and cook just a couple more minutes until the spinach is wilted. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste (keeping in mind you'll be sprinkling a touch of feta and olives on, which will add to the saltiness). While the lamb and tomatoes are simmering together and marrying their flavors, bring a large pot of well-salted water (it should taste like sea water) to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, about 7 or 8 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
• Drain the orzo. Toss the orzo with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the lemon juice, and all of the parsley, adding a bit of pasta water at a time, if you feel it needs additional liquid.Spread the orzo out on an enormous serving platter. Spoon the lamb and sauce all over the top, then sprinkle with the feta and chopped olives. A good red wine, on the dry side, is a highly recommended companion here.

BRAISED LAMB WITH GARLIC AND CINNAMON

Steps:

• Put oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. A minute later, add as many chunks of lamb as will fit without crowding (cook in batches, if necessary). When meat browns (3 to 4 minutes) turn chunks and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Adjust heat so pieces brown as rapidly as possible without burning. After each has browned on 2 sides, remove from pan and add another piece or two until all meat has been browned (10 to 15 minutes).
• When all meat has been removed from pan, turn off heat and allow the pan to cool a bit. Turn heat back to medium and add garlic and cinnamon. Cook for about 30 seconds, then add the wine; raise heat to high and let wine bubble away for a minute. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about a minute. Return meat to pan and cover; adjust heat so mixture bubbles very gently. (If it cooks too quickly, you may have to add a little water.)
• Cook, undisturbed, until meat is very tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve over rice or buttered noodles, with lemon wedges.

BRAISED LAMB WITH TOMATO AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Cut 2 pounds lamb shoulder into 2-inch cubes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and brown in a large skillet over medium-high heat; remove.
• To the skillet, add onion, garlic, carrots, olives and cloves; cook until fragrant. Add wine, tomatoes with their juice and browned lamb. When the liquid boils, lower heat to a simmer, cover and cook until tender, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Garnish: Chopped toasted almonds and cilantro.