Spinach Salad With Lamb And Basil Recipes

GRILLED LEG OF LAMB-- SPINACH AND STILTON SALAD WITH GARLIC CROUTONS-- CHILLED MELON SOUP WITH PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• Cut leg of lamb in loin sections then marinate with 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 gloves garlic, curry powder, dried herbs and rosemary. Marinate for 30 minutes or overnight if possible. Then grill the loins for 15 to 20 minutes turning just once. Carefully flambe with pastis.
• Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and toss with remainder of garlic and 3 tablespoons of olive oil then season with salt and pepper. Toast croutons for about 15 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven turning 2 to 3 times for even browning. Then toss croutons with spinach, Stilton, tomatoes, remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper.
• In a food processor, puree cantaloupe, apple juice, mango, orange and peach. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with basil and prosciutto.

SPINACH SALAD WITH LAMB AND BASIL

Steps:

• Trim and tie lamb. Season lamb with salt and pepper and in a sealable plastic bag combine lamb, 2 tablespoons oil, and 1 tablespoon basil, turning lamb to coat evenly. Marinate lamb, covered and chilled, 4 hours.
• Cut roasted peppers into thin 2-inch long strips and in a bowl combine with vinegar and 2 tablespoons oil. Chill peppers, covered, until assembling salad.
• In another bowl coarsely crumble goat cheese and gently stir together with 2 tablespoons oil and 1 tablespoon basil. Chill goat cheese, covered, until assembling salad.
• In a blender blend remaining 1/4 cup oil, remaining tablespoon basil, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth. Transfer basil oil to a small bowl. Chill basil oil, covered, while preparing lamb. Bring basil oil to room temperature before assembling salad.
• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Heat an ovenproof heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) over moderately high heat until hot and brown lamb on all sides. Put skillet in middle of oven and roast lamb about 10 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers 140°F. for medium-rare. Cool lamb. Chill lamb, covered, at least 2 hours and up to 1 day. Cut lamb into thin slices.
• Discard coarse stems from spinach and arrange leaves around edges of 4 large plates. Scatter come peppers evenly over spinach and mound some goat cheese in center of each plate. Arrange lamb slices around goat cheese and drizzle salads with basil oil.

WARM SPINACH AND BASIL SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the spinach and basil in a large salad bowl.
• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and pine nuts; mix well.
• Sauté until the pine nuts are brown.
• Add the prosciutto; mix well.
• Cook just until heated through, stirring constantly.
• Pour over the spinach mixture, tossing to coat.
• Season with the salt and pepper; sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.