Spicy Lamb Chops With Tomato Cucumber Raita Food

LAMB CURRY WITH FRAGRANT RICE AND RAITA

Steps:

• prep time does not include fridge time.
• Bruising cardamom pods simply means splitting them, do this by placing on flat surface and pressing down on them with flat side of a knife until the pod splits.
• Combine lamb with both pastes in storage container or ziploc bag, coat lamb thoroughly in paste and refrigerate several hours or overnight. (preferably overnight).
• Heat half the oil in a large saucepan, add onion and cardamom and stir until onion softens, add cumin and stir until fragrant. Add rice, stock, water and coconut milk, bring to boil and then reduce heat to a simmer, cook covered about 20-25 minutes until rice is just tender and liquid has absorbed.
• Note: I have had times when I make this that all the liquid is gone and the rice is not quite cooked, just leave the lid on over the lowest heat you have on your stove, stir from time to time until done. Don't add more liquid it will just make rice go soggy.
• While the rice is cooking, heat the other half of oil in a large frying pan. Add lamb with paste stir, put a lid on and cook until lamb is done stirring from time to time about 20 minutes.
• Raita:.
• In a medium bowl combine yogurt, onions and cucumber. This can be made ahead of time if desired.
• To serve place rice on plate top with lamb pour some liquid from pan over and top with raita.

GRILLED LAMB LOIN WITH TOMATO AND CUCUMBER RAITA AND ISRAELI COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Strip leaves from stems of rosemary and thyme, then chop coarsely. Smash garlic cloves, then chop coarsely. Pulse herbs, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon oil in a food processor until smooth. Place lamb in a 13" x 9" glass baking dish; rub with garlic mixture; cover; refrigerate 1 hour. Remove from fridge and let sit at room temperature 30 minutes before grilling. Cook couscous as directed on package; transfer to a bowl. Toss with 2 teaspoon oil, cherry tomatoes and basil. Season with salt and pepper; set aside. Make raita: Heat oven to 375°F. Toss tomato slices with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and spread on a baking sheet; roast until tomatoes brown in spots, about 30 minutes. Grind cumin seeds to a fine powder in a coffee grinder or spice mill. Puree roasted tomato in a blender with cumin, yogurt, cucumber and sugar until smooth. Stir in mint. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl and refrigerate until ready to eat. Heat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Grill lamb, about 2 minutes per side for medium. Remove from grill and let rest 10 minutes; cut into 1-inch-thick slices. Divide couscous and lamb among 4 plates. Serve with 1 tablespoon raita per plate.