Lamb Chops With Anise Recipes

BRAISED LAMB SHANKS WITH CORIANDER, FENNEL, AND STAR ANISE

Steps:

• Mix coriander, fennel, and peppercorns in heavy small skillet. Toast on medium-high heat until aromatic and slightly darker, about 2 minutes. Transfer to spice grinder; process until finely ground. Rub each shank with 1 rounded teaspoon spice blend. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add shanks to pot. Cook until brown on all sides, about 20 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to same pot. Add onion and next 4 ingredients; sauté over medium heat until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add remaining spice blend and stir 1 minute. Add Port and simmer until liquid is reduced to 2/3 cup, about 15 minutes. Add both broths; boil until liquid is reduced to 3 1/2 cups, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Return shanks to pot. Add cloves, star anise, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper. Cover pot with foil, then lid. Place pot in oven and braise lamb until tender, about 2 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Uncover and cool slightly. Place in refrigerator until cool, then cover and keep refrigerated. Rewarm in 350°F oven for 20 minutes before serving.)
• Place 1 lamb shank on each of 4 plates. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon sauce and vegetables over lamb and serve.
• *Brown, star-shaped seed pods; available in the spice section of some supermarkets, at Asian markets, and at specialty foods stores.

LAMB CHOPS & MIDDLE EASTERN RICE

Steps:

• FOR THE LAMB CHOPS: Season chops with all of the above and place in broiler.
• When the tops are browned, turn the chops, season the other side, and broil that side until browned.
• Transfer to a serving dish and serve.
• FOR THE MIDDLE EASTERN RICE: Prepare the rice as directed on the box.
• Add the 2 tablespoons of butter, the cumin, the raisins, the aniseed, the sugar, the salt and pepper to taste, lime juice and the cooked rice.
• Stir in the eggs and continue stirring until the eggs are mixed into the rice and the eggs are solidified.
• Remove from heat and add the crushed toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts.
• Fluff with a fork, transfer to a serving dish, and serve.

LAMB CHOPS WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION

Steps:

• In a small bowl or cup, mix together the rosemary, basil, thyme, salt and pepper. Rub this mixture onto the lamb chops on both sides. Place them on a plate, cover and set aside for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place lamb chops in the skillet, and cook for about 3 1/2 minutes per side for medium rare, or continue to cook to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet, and keep warm on a serving platter.
• Add shallots to the skillet, and cook for a few minutes, just until browned. Stir in vinegar, scraping any bits of lamb from the bottom of the skillet, then stir in the chicken broth. Continue to cook and stir over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until the sauce has reduced by half. If you don't, the sauce will be runny and not good. Remove from heat, and stir in the butter. Pour over the lamb chops, and serve.