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Lamb chops with green apple harissa, tahini and spring onion ... my idea of a TV dinner


I saw this recipe on Saturday Kitchen. My interest was piqued because of two things; firstly the chef was Josh Katz who runs the fabulous Berber and Q Shawarma bar in Exmouth Market. Secondly because I love Harissa and had never had a green apple one. So despite the fact that I was 'home alone' this recipe had to be done.
I had it with a a couple of simple middle eastern style salads and very tasty it was indeed.

Ingredients

For the green apple harissa
½ tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp coriander seeds
¼ tsp fennel seeds
pinch of caraway seeds
6 green bird's-eye chillies, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
100ml/3½fl oz garlic oil, or olive oil
½ small bunch fresh coriander, roughly chopped
100g/3½oz baby spinach, stalks removed
2 Granny Smith apples, cored, roughly chopped
½ tbsp honey
salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the green tahini
small handful each fresh parsley, basil and rocket leaves
½ lemon, juice only
50g/1¾oz tahini paste
1 garlic clove, crushed
½ tsp salt
½ tsp olive oil

For the lamb chops
1 tbsp plain yoghurt
4 lamb chops
4 spring onions, halved lengthways
2 tbsp olive oil
½ lemon
fresh coriander leaves, to garnish


Method

1.  To make the harissa, put the cumin, coriander, fennel and caraway seeds in a heavy-based frying pan and toast over a medium–high heat until smoking and fragrant. Transfer to a spice grinder and blend to a fine powder.
2.     Put the chilli and garlic in a food processor. Add the oil and blend to a purée. Add the coriander, spinach and spice mix and blend until smooth. (You might need to add a touch more oil or water to get the blender moving). Add the apples and honey and pulse until incorporated into the sauce. It should have a thick, pesto-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
3.     To make the green tahini, blend the herbs with 50ml/2fl oz water in a food processor until smooth.
4.     Mix together the lemon juice, tahini and garlic in a mixing bowl or food processor, add a small amount of the herby water and whisk or blend until combined. Gradually add the remaining herby water until you have a loose paste. Season with salt, olive oil and more lemon juice, if needed.
5.     To make the lamb chops, mix 50ml/2fl oz of the harissa with the yoghurt in a large bowl. Add the lamb chops and massage the meat until each chop is well coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 2–4 hours, but preferably overnight.
6.     When you are ready to cook, preheat the barbecue, ensuring that you are cooking over hot coals. Alternatively, heat a cast-iron griddle pan over a high heat until smoking hot. (Ensure you cook in a well-ventilated area.)
7.     Grill the lamb chops for 2–3 minutes on each side, until nicely charred around the edges and the fat is crisp and golden but the meat is still soft to the touch and pink on the inside. Season both sides with salt and pepper as you cook.
8.     Meanwhile, brush the spring onions and lemon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Lay them on a wire rack and blacken under the grill until softened.
9.     To serve, spoon a dollop of green tahini on a large serving platter. Put the lamb chops on top with the spring onions on the side. Garnish with a few coriander leaves and a squeeze of the blackened lemon.


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