Lamb Roasted Shallot And Chorizo Skewers With Rioja Vinaigrette Food

RIOJA BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH CHORIZO AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Brown the lamb shanks all over, then remove them from the pan.
• Remove the pan from the heat and pour in the wine (or stock) and vinegar. Return to the heat and boil for 5 minutes. Add the browned lamb, garlic, bay leaves, paprika, peppercorns, half the rosemary and the stock. Cover and bring to a boil. Then put the pan into the oven and cook for 2 hours.
• After two hours, add the chorizo, onion, carrots and honey, cover and cook for another hour or until the meat is just falling off the bone. Remove the meat and vegetables with a slotted spoon and keep warm. I leave the garlic in the pan to intensify the flavor.
• If you would like the sauce to be thicker, put the pan back on the heat and bring it to a boil. I like to boil it for 8 to 10 minutes, then leave it to cool slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• Serve the meat and vegetables with the sauce and mashed potatoes.

LAMB, ROASTED SHALLOT AND CHORIZO SKEWERS WITH RIOJA VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a medium stainless steel saucepan reduce the wine to 1/4 cup. Place the syrup in a blender and add the vinegar, mustard, and honey and blend until combined. With the motor running slowly add the olive oil and blend until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. In a large bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, rosemary and lamb and marinate for 4 to 6 hours in the refrigerator. Prepare the grill. Thread the lamb cubes, chorizo and roasted shallots on the skewers and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Arrange on platter and drizzle with vinaigrette.

SKEWERED LAMB WITH RIOJA RED WINE VINAIGRETTE AND ENDIVE SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE, SERRANO HAM AND PEARS

Steps:

• Make the vinaigrette: In a medium nonreactive saucepan over high heat, reduce the wine to 1/4 cup. Place it in a blender with the vinegar, mustard and honey and blend until combined. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. May be refrigerated up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before using.
• Make the lamb: Soak 8 bamboo skewers 6 inches long in water for 2 hours or overnight. In a large bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, rosemary and lamb and marinate the lamb 4 to 6 hours in the refrigerator. Prepare a grill or broiler. Thread the lamb cubes and roasted onions on the skewers and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill until rare to medium-rare, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Place the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle the Rioja vinaigrette over them. Can serve with instant couscous made with chicken stock.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Whisk together the creme fraiche, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and oil and season with salt and pepper. Fold in blue cheese and romano.
• Salad: Heat the oil in a small saute pan over high heat until smoking. Add the ham and cook until crisp. Place the endive and frisee in a large bowl, toss with some of the dressing and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Divide the greens among four plates and top with some of the ham. Place 3 pear slices around the plate and sprinkle with some of the almonds.

RACK OF LAMB WITH ROASTED-SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Make the vinaigrette: lightly brush or spray the shallot all over with a bit of olive oil; grill over direct medium heat until it is blackened in spots and very soft throughout, about 15 minutes, turning once.
• Remove the shallot from the grill, and let cool; remove and discard the peel.
• Finely chop the shallot and put it in a medium bowl along with the remaining vinaigrette ingredients; whisk in the rest of the olive oil to create a smooth dressing.
• Trim any excess fat from the lamb; let stand at room temperature 20-30 minutes before grilling.
• Lightly brush or spray the lamb with oil and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Loosely cover the bones with foil to keep them from burning.
• Sear bone side down first, over direct medium heat until lightly browned, 2-4 minutes, turning once (flare ups might occur); move the lamb over indirect medium heat and grill to desired doneness, about 15 minutes more for medium-rare.
• Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into chops.
• Serve warm with the vinaigrette.