Marcella Hazans Lamb Chops Fried In Parmesan Butter Food

LAMB CHOPS FRIED IN PARMESAN BATTER

Steps:

• Turn the chops on both sides in the grated Parmesan, pressing the chop firmly against the crumbs, using the palm of your hands to make the cheese adhere to the meat. Tap the chops gently against the plate to shake off excess cheese. Dip them into the beaten egg, letting the excess flow back into the dish. Turn the chops in the bread crumbs, coating both sides, and tap them again to shake off excess.
• Pour enough oil in a skillet to come 1/4 inch up the sides, and turn on the heat to medium. When the oil is very hot, slip as many chops into the pan as will fit without crowding. When one side forms a nice golden crust, sprinkle it with salt and pepper, turn the chop and sprinkle salt and pepper on the other side. As soon as the second side has formed a crust, transfer to a warm platter, using a slotted spoon or spatula. Repeat the procedure, slipping more chops into the pan as soon as there is room for them. When all the chops are done, serve promptly.

MARCELLA HAZAN'S TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine the tomatoes, their juices, the butter and the onion halves in a saucepan. Add a pinch or two of salt.
• Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, mashing any large pieces of tomato with a spoon. Add salt as needed.
• Discard the onion before tossing the sauce with pasta. This recipe makes enough sauce for a pound of pasta.

MARCELLA HAZAN'S PASTA WITH FOUR HERBS

Steps:

• Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and when water has returned to a boil, add the penne, stirring with a long- handled wooden fork or spoon to distribute the pasta evenly.
• While the pasta is cooking, proceed with the rest of the recipe. Chop the fresh herbs together briefly and place in a deep bowl in which you will serve the pasta.
• Seed the tomatoes and cut them into small cubes. Add to the herbs in the bowl and mix together gently but thoroughly. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if necessary or desired.
• This step must proceed very quickly, so be sure your timing is right. Heat the olive oil over a medium high flame until it is very hot. When it begins to smoke, pour all at once over the vegetables in the bowl. Drain the cooked pasta and add it immediately to the oil and sizzling vegetables. Mix well. Serve immediately.