Spice Crusted Lamb Loin

Difficulty:
1/5

Yield: 2-3 servings, as small plates

Ingredients:

Lamb:
  • 1 rack of lamb, deboned
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) coriander seed
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fennel seed
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cumin seed
  • ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) chili flake
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
Chestnut Puree:
  • 7 ounces (200 g) roasted, peeled chestnuts
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk
  • 2 heads of roasted garlic
  • 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) olive oil
  • Salt
Mint Yogurt:
  • 3 bunches mint, leaves only
  • 2 cups (470 ml) Greek yogurt (*needs to be a stiff, low moisture yogurt)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground coriander
Garnish:
  • Shishito peppers, blistered in a cast iron pan with oil and salt, to garnish

Method:

For the Lamb:

Pre-heat oven to 375 F (190 C).
In a mortar, crush fennel, coriander, cumin, and chili until a coarse powder forms. Add salt and pepper.
Rub lamb with olive oil and roll in spice mixture.
Sear over high heat until evenly browned, transfer to oven for 3-4 minutes to finish to an internal temperature of 130 F (54 C) for medium rare. Rest for 5-7 minutes.

For the Chestnut Puree:

Add milk to small saucepan over medium heat. Add chestnuts and roasted garlic, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until chestnuts are starting to soften.
Transfer mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth, then stream in the olive oil. Season with salt and reserve.

For the Spiced Yogurt:

Add mint, yogurt, cayenne, cumin, coriander, and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth and transfer to squeeze bottle.

To serve:

Lay a spoonful of spiced yogurt onto the serving dish/dishes, hit with the back of the spoon to make an artful splash. Add small dollops of chestnut puree around the plate. Slice the rested loin into 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick portions, seasoning the cut side with finishing salt. Transfer neatly to the serving dish/dishes.
Garnish with Shishito pepper.

Serve immediately.