Thursday, June 2, 2011

Lamb Skewers With Mint Chutney

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I don’t know why so many Americans haven’t developed a liking for lamb. My only guess is that they never ate it while growing up, or if they did, it wasn’t prepared very well. If you’re cooking a whole leg of lamb, it can be a little tricky to know how long to cook, whether to marinate or how to carve. For this recipe you cut the lamb into cubes, slather them with a great herb and spice mix and grill for only a few minutes.

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The recipe doesn’t call for marinating overnight in the herb mixture, but I figured it would only lend more flavor and tenderness to the skewers, so I did, and they were.  The mint chutney was a refreshing and delicious foil for the skewers and something a little different from the typical mint jelly or tzatziki I normally serve with lamb.

I got the recipes from Matt Armendariz’ new book, “On A Stick,” after receiving a complimentary copy in the mail a few weeks ago. 

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Matt’s book contains loads of interesting recipes and enticing photos of food on a stick, from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.  There are a few items that seem silly to skewer (spaghetti and meatballs for example) but there are plenty of others that look good enough and easy enough to make over and over again. This lamb dish is one. But there’s also a “fudge pops” recipe that has my name all over it now that warm weather is here.

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From the book “On A Stick” by Matt Armendariz

Printable Recipe here

This recipe calls for only 1 1/2 lbs. meat, but if you serve it with side dishes, (I served it with caramelized onions, green beans and Greek potatoes courtesy of a recipe from Peter of Kalofagas.ca),  it easily makes enough to satisfy four or five people.

Lamb Skewers

  • 2 T. vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 T. tarragon, minced
  • 1 T. thyme, minced
  • 1 T. rosemary, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 t. cumin
  • 1 1/2 lb. boneless leg of lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes (I bought 1 1/2 lbs. of boneless top round leg of lamb)
  • salt and pepper

Mint Chutney

  • 1 cup mint, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 red onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 T. Greek yogurt (I used a 6 oz. container, it was more like 7 or 8 T.)
  • 2 T. lemon juice
  • salt and pepper
  1. Soak 8 bamboo skewers in water about 30 minutes.
  2. Make the chutney: Place mint, cilantro, onion, yogurt and lemon juice in a food processor with 2 T. water and process until almost smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high and brush with vegetable oil.
  4. Whisk olive oil, tarragon, thyme, rosemary, garlic and cumin in a large bowl. Add lamb and toss until well coated. (I kept the coated lamb in the refrigerator overnight and the lamb was very tender and flavorful when cooked.)
  5. Thread lamb onto skewers and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Let cool a few minutes before serving with mint chutney.

 

12 comments:

  1. That looks mighty scrumptious! I can't wait to get my copy of Matt's book.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  2. lamb anything is good but add Linda in the mix and the dish can not go wrong - looks beautifully tasty as usual.

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  3. bellissima ricetta! e mi piace l'idea del chutney di menta!

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  4. I've been reading about that cookbook and have it on my list (like I need another cookbook). Definitely a new dish for the grilling season - I seem to reserve lamb for the winter. Need to take a page out of the Greek cookbooks. And translate the "beef" slogan. "Lamb: it's what for dinner."

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  5. I have the book and need to make a recipe. Everything looks so much fun!

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  6. That plate truely looks scrumptious Linda and the marinate sounds like a perfect match. Yes, I'm one that dosen't care for lamb, but I would make it just like this with my beloved pork!

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  7. I haven't had breakfast yet, but I'd pounce all over this dish, no matter the time of day.
    I'll admit I've only made lamb a couple of times, and you're right, prepared well, its flavor is hard to beat.

    Btw, now that I have several types of mint growing in my garden, I'm eager to try the Mint Chutney!

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  8. I love lamb...or I should say i used to love tpo eat lamb...and this preparation looks so juicy and delicious!

    After seeing cute and playful Spring lambs in Ireland this year I haven't been able to buy any lamb. I'm sure if I were a farmer I would be a vegetarian...sigh.

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  9. Hi Linda - those look fabulous! I need to get a copy of Matt's book too.
    LL

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  10. that plate looks tasty!have a good weekend, a hug....

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  11. I have often wondered,too, why lamb is not more popular in this country. It is one of the tastiest meats out there, much tastier than beef or even modern 'lean' pork, if you ask me.

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  12. My family loves lamb and will enjoy this dish very much. I've bookmarked this and will make it as soon as I give my barbecue its spring cleaning.

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