Orange And Leek Lamb Recipes

SPICED LAMB SHANKS WITH ORANGE AND HONEY

Steps:

• Cook the lamb shanks: Season shanks generously with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large pot and add cumin seed, fennel seed, coriander seed, onion, cloves, thyme and bay leaf. Pour in enough water to cover shanks, place pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Put on the lid, reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until meat is very tender when probed with the tip of a paring knife.
• Remove shanks from pot and place on a baking sheet to cool. Strain the broth into a bowl, and skim off any rising fat. Measure 4 1/2 cups broth and set aside. When shanks are cool enough to handle, gently remove the bone from each with your hands, leaving the meat in one or two large pieces.
• Make the sauce: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until softened and slightly browned. Add garlic, saffron, cayenne, tomato paste and honey and stir to incorporate.
• Add orange zest, orange juice, broth and wine to the pot, and bring to a boil. Turn heat to a brisk simmer and return the meat to the pot. Simmer for 20 minutes, until broth has reduced by an inch or so. Taste broth and adjust seasoning. Add arrowroot mixture and cook for a minute or two, until slightly thickened.
• Meanwhile, cook the vegetables: In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Fill the pot with 1 inch of water. Add carrots and turnips, salt lightly, cover and turn heat to high. Cook for 10 minutes, or until probed with the tip of a paring knife.
• To serve, transfer meat and sauce to a large, deep platter or serving dish. With a slotted spoon arrange vegetables around the meat. Sprinkle with parsley, mint, dill and basil.

SALT AND PEPPER CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB WITH BLOOD ORANGE AND CHERRY CHIMICHURI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder, coarsely grind peppercorns, salt, and red-pepper flakes together until peppercorns are broken but not completely ground.
• Brush a griddle with olive oil (or place oil in a large skillet) and heat over medium-high heat. Season lamb all over with pepper mixture. Place lamb on griddle, meat-side down, and sear to create a golden-brown crust; turn and repeat process on opposite side, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer lamb to a baking sheet.
• Transfer baking sheet to oven and cook until internal temperature reaches 122 to 125 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, 12 to 15 minutes, for medium rare. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing and serving with chimichurri.

LAMB STEW WITH LEEKS AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Pat the lamb pieces dry with paper towels and season to taste with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large casserole and saute the pieces, a few at a time, until they are lightly browned on all sides. Remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Pour off the fat.
• Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and saute the leeks, garlic and thyme until the leaves are soft.
• Return the lamb to the casserole and sprinkle on the flour, stirring vigorously to coat all the pieces of meat. Add wine and bring it to boil, stirring well and scraping off any pieces that have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add chicken stock, cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally for about an hour.
• Add potatoes and cook until they are tender. If more liquid is needed, add hot chicken stock or water. Correct seasoning, add parsley and serve.