ARGENTINE-STYLE RIB-EYE WITH CHIMICHURRI SAUCE SERVED WITH QUINOA SALAD AND FRIED PLANTAINS
Ingredients
Serves 4
CHIMICHURRI SAUCE:
1 cup (250 ml) packed chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
½ cup (125 ml) packed chopped fresh cilantro
½ cup (125 ml) packed chopped fresh mint
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh oregano
4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 tsp (5 ml) sea salt
½ tsp (2 ml) fresh ground black pepper
½ tsp (2 ml) crushed red pepper flakes
1 small shallot, minced
¾ cup (175 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp (45 ml) sherry or red wine vinegar
1 lemon, juice only
QUINOA SALAD:
3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lime juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced fresh cilantro
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne
¼ tsp (1 ml) dried oregano
½ tsp (2 ml) each salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ cup (125 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup (125 ml) quinoa
1½ cups (375 ml) water
¼ tsp (1 ml) sea salt
1 cup (250 ml) canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup (250 ml) thawed frozen corn kernels
1 large tomato, seeded and finely diced
1 small red bell pepper, seeded, finely diced
RIB-EYE STEAKS:
4 rib-eye or sirloin steaks, about 1½-in (3.75 cm) thick, 2 lbs (1 kg)
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided
FRIED PLANTAINS:
2 green plantains
1½ cups (375 ml) canola oil
fine sea salt
Instructions
- To make CHIMICHURRI SAUCE: In blender combine parsley, cilantro, mint, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, shallot, olive oil, sherry or red wine vinegar and lemon, and pulse until well chopped, but not puréed. Place into bowl and set aside.
- To make QUINOA SALAD: Whisk together lime juice, red wine vinegar, cilantro, cayenne, dried oregano, ½ tsp (2 ml) each salt and pepper in a bowl. Add olive oil in a thin steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth and emulsified. Set dressing aside.
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine quinoa and water. Stir in salt. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer with lid ajar until quinoa is tender and all water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Transfer quinoa to a colander and rinse under cold running water. Drain thoroughly, then transfer to a large non-reactive bowl.
- Add black beans to bowl with quinoa. Drain and pat dry corn with paper towels and add along with tomato and red bell pepper. Drizzle with prepared dressing and toss well. Set aside.
- To make STEAKS: Bring to room temperature and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a large castiron grill pan over high heat just until oil begins to smoke. Add 2 steaks and cook, flipping once, until well browned on both sides and medium rare, 8 to 10 minutes total. Alternatively place on a prepared high-heat barbecue. Grill a little longer for medium or well done. Transfer cooked steaks to a large plate, cover loosely with foil, and set aside in a warm spot. Repeat process with remaining oil and steaks.
- While steaks are grilling prepare FRIED PLANTAINS: Peel plantains and slice crosswise into 1-in (2.5 cm) thick pieces. In a large, deep 12 x 2-in (30 x 5 cm) sauté pan, heat canola oil to 325 F (170 C). Carefully add plantains to oil and fry until golden yellow in colour, about 1 minute per side.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, standing them on their ends. With the back of a wide, wooden spoon or thick spatula, press each piece of plantain down to half its original thickness. Return oil temperature to 325 F (170 C).
- Return plantains to hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 4 minutes per side. Remove to a baking sheet lined with paper towel. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Serve Fried Plantains immediately with Steaks and Chimichurri Sauce and Quinoa Salad.
Drink Pairings
BRAISED LAMB SHOULDER WITH PUY LENTILS
Ingredients
Serves 4
MOROCCAN SPICE MIX:
4 tbsp (60 ml) cumin seeds
3 tbsp (45 ml) black peppercorns
2 tbsp (30 ml) whole allspice
2 tbsp (30 ml) coriander seeds
1 tbsp (15 ml) whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks, broken
2 tbsp (30 ml) cayenne
2 tbsp (30 ml) ground ginger
PUY LENTILS:
12 cups (3 L) water
1¾ cups (425 ml) kosher salt
2 cups (500 g) dried Puy lentils
½ small Vidalia onion, peeled
½ large carrot
1 celery stalk
BRAISED LAMB SHOULDER:
5 lb (2.5 kg) bone-in lamb shoulder
2 to 4 tbsp (30 to 60 ml) canola oil
2 large Vidalia onions, peeled and quartered
2 large carrots, peeled, cut crosswise
4 celery stalks, cut crosswise
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 small bunch fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 tbsp (15 ml) black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
MOROCCAN SPICED LENTIL PURÉE:
2 tbsp (30 ml) canola oil
¾ cup (175 ml) finely diced cooking onion
½ cup (125 ml) finely diced celery
2 tsp (10 ml) finely minced garlic
3 tbsp (45 ml) Moroccan Spice Mix
8 cups (2 L) water
2 cups (500 ml) Puy lentils
2 cups (500 ml) whipping cream
¾ cup (175 ml) cold butter, diced
lemon juice, to taste
salt, to taste
GARNISH:
12 baby turnips, trimmed, scrubbed clean
¼ cup (60 ml) diced cold butter (optional)
lemon juice, to taste
salt, to taste
1 cup (250 g) Burrata cheese, divided
16 cape gooseberries, husks removed, halved
fresh lemon balm
Instructions
- To make MOROCCAN SPICE MIX: Combine whole spices in a small, dry, heavybottomed frying pan. Toast whole spices and cinnamon sticks over medium heat until fragrant, 2 minutes. Shake pan several times to prevent burning. Transfer to a spice grinder and grind to a fine powder. Stir in cayenne and ground ginger to blend. Place in a small container with a tight-fitting lid. Cool and tightly seal until ready to use.
- To firm Puy lentil skins, combine water and salt in a large container with a fitted lid. Stir to dissolve salt. Stir in lentils and cover tightly. Refrigerate overnight.
- The following day, drain lentils through a strainer and place in a large saucepan along with enough water to cover by 4-in (10 cm) and some generous pinches of salt. Add ½ Vidalia onion, ½ carrot and 1 celery stalk. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover with lid ajar and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes. Lentils should be soft but with some bite. Strain, remove and discard vegetables and set lentils aside. You can refrigerate cooked lentils at this point if not using right away
- To BRAISE LAMB: Over medium-high heat, warm enough canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan to lightly film bottom of pan. Once it smokes, add lamb and sear on all sides until deep golden brown. Remove lamb to a large dish. Reduce heat to medium and add onions, carrots, celery and garlic to fat remaining in pan. Sauté, scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan. Continue to sauté until vegetables are golden, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Return lamb to pot along with herbs, peppercorns and bay leaf. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover with lid and cook 2 to 3 hours, depending on size of shoulder, or until meat is falling off bone. Then remove pan from heat. Allow to cool 20 minutes before removing lamb to wire rack over a baking sheet. Leave at room temperature for another 30 or 40 minutes before placing lamb on rack in refrigerator to thoroughly cool.
- Strain lamb cooking stock into another saucepan. Cook over mediumhigh heat until reduced by ¼. When lamb is cooled, cut meat from bone into large pieces. Reserve roughly 6 oz (140 g) for each serving portion and refrigerate remaining lamb for another use.
- While lamb is braising, prepare MOROCCAN SPICED LENTIL PURÉE: Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add diced onion, celery and carrot and sauté over medium-high heat, stirring until translucent. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté a few seconds. Add 3 tbsp (45 ml) Moroccan Spice Mix and stir, scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan. Add 8 cups (2 L) water, 2 cups (500 ml) dry lentils and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook with lid ajar for 20 minutes or until lentils are falling apart. Water level must consistently be just covering lentils, so add more water or cooking time to reach that point.
- When lentils finish cooking, transfer to a blender and whirl with cream on high speed until blended. Whirl in butter, a few cubes at a time, until purée is completely smooth. Season with a little lemon juice and salt to taste. Purée can be used immediately or set aside until ready to use
- Prepare baby turnips, bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut turnips into ½-in (1.25 cm) wedges and blanch in boiling water for 10 to 15 seconds. Then plunge into an ice water bath to stop cooking. Turnips should be crisp to bite when blanched.
- To serve, put Moroccan Spiced Lentil Purée in a large, wide, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Warm mixture over low heat. In a separate pot, add ½-in (1.25 cm) reserved lamb stock and stir in cooked lentils and enough chunks of braised lamb to serve 4 people. Bring to a low simmer and cook, stirring often, making sure mixture doesn’t stick. Add more lamb stock if mixture appears too dry.
- Once lamb is heated through, stir in baby turnips, cook briefly to warm. Stir in ¼ cup (60 ml) diced cold butter, if desired. Season with lemon juice and salt to taste.
- To serve, spoon a few tablespoons purée onto heated plates. Top with some chunks of lamb, lentils and baby turnips. Place a couple pieces Burrata cheese on side and garnish with gooseberries and a generous sprig of lemon balm.
Drink Pairings
BEET AND CHEDDAR LASAGNA
Ingredients
Serves 6
1 lb (500 g) red beets
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 garlic cloves
salt and pepper, to taste, plus extra
1¼ lbs (625 g) red Swiss chard, stalks trimmed
⅔ cup (150 ml) unsalted butter, divided
1 ⅓ cups (325 ml) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
2 cups (500 ml) grated sharp cheddar
2 tbsp (30 ml) dry mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
12 oven-ready, whole wheat lasagna noodles
¼ cup (60 ml) quick rolled oats
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped hazelnuts. toasted
2 tbsp (30 ml) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 pinch nutmeg
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Add beets, thyme, garlic, good pinch of pepper and a few generous pinches of salt to large saucepan. Cover with cold water and bring to simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until beets are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes depending on size. With a slotted spoon, remove beets to a bowl to cool. Once cool enough to handle, peel and slice crosswise into ¼-in (0.5 cm) thick slices. Set aside.
- In batches, add chard leaves to saucepan of water and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Remove and transfer immediately to bowl of ice water. Drain well, roughly chop and set aside.
- To make a béchamel sauce, in small saucepan over low heat, melt ⅓ cup (75 ml) butter. Whisk in ⅔ cup (150 ml) flour. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes allowing to cook but not brown. Slowly whisk in milk until mixture forms a thick, smooth sauce. Stir in cheddar to melt. Stir in mustard powder, Worcestershire and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper before setting aside.
- To make crumble topping, in a small bowl stir together remaining ⅔ cup (150 ml) flour, oats and hazelnuts. With fingertips work in remaining ⅓ cup (75 ml) butter and Pecorino Romano cheese before seasoning with nutmeg, salt and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C) while assembling lasagna. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over bottom of a 2 qt (2 L) casserole dish. Top with a layer of sliced beets then layer of cooked chard. Season with salt, pepper and sprinkle of fresh thyme before covering with 3 lasagna noodles, cutting noodles to fit. Continue layering until dish is full, about 3 or more times, ending with layer of béchamel. Cover surface with crumble topping. Bake until bubbling and golden, about 30 to 45 minutes. Serve warm.
Drink Pairings
ANTIPASTO VEGETABLE NOODLE SALAD
Ingredients
Serves 6
2 thick carrots, trimmed and peeled
2 zucchini, about 8-in (20 cm) long, trimmed
1 small fennel bulb, trimmed, reserve the fronds
½ small red onion, peeled
1 cup (250 ml) halved, small heirloom
cherry tomatoes
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin julienne strips
1 tbsp + 3 tbsp (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 slices prosciutto
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
1 small smashed and minced garlic
2 tsp (10 ml) minced fresh oregano
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
pinch of sugar, optional
½ cup (125 ml) small, green, pitted olives
2 tbsp (30 ml) pine nuts, toasted
3 tbsp (45 ml) finely grated Parmesan
2 tbsp (30 ml) slivered fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Using a hand-held vegetable peeler, or a vegetable spiralizer, shave carrots and zucchini into long thin strips or spiralized curls and place in a large bowl. Very finely dice any remaining vegetable cores and add to bowl.
- Thinly slice fennel and red onion using a mandolin, separate into rings and add to vegetables along with cherry tomatoes and julienne strips of yellow pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in large frying pan. As soon as it almost begins to smoke, add prosciutto and gently fry over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towellined plate to drain. When cool enough to handle, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine remaining 3 tbsp (45 ml) oil, lemon juice and garlic. Whisk together to blend. Whisk in minced oregano until blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add sugar, if desired.
- When ready to serve salad, give olive oil dressing a quick whisk and drizzle over vegetables. Gently toss to evenly coat. Note: Do not toss salad with dressing until immediately before serving, or salad will water out. Divide among serving plates and scatter with olives, pine nuts, Parmesan and basil. Place a couple of pieces prosciutto on top and serve.
Drink Pairings
BEET-CURED STEELHEAD TROUT ON DARK RYE
Ingredients
Serves 6 open faced sandwiches
¾ cup (175 ml) granulated sugar
½ cup (125 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2 ml) freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh dill
½ tsp (2 ml) lemon zest
1½ lbs (750 g) steelhead trout fillet, scaled, pin-bones removed, skin left on
3 tbsp (45 ml) vodka
1 large red beet, peeled and grated
¼ cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt
3 tbsp (45 ml) mayonnaise
3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped capers
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely chopped red onion
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 pieces dark rye or Pumpernickel bread, toasted
2 tbsp (30 ml) salted butter
½ English cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
½ yellow zucchini or yellow beet, thinly sliced into rounds
3 radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Line dish large enough to hold trout fillet with a double layer of aluminum foil and a layer of plastic wrap. In a bowl, stir together sugar, salt, pepper, dill and lemon zest. Scatter half the sugar mixture in a fat line down centre of prepared dish. Place trout fillet on top, skin-side down and sprinkle with vodka before covering with remaining sugar mixture. Place grated beet on top of sugared flesh side of fish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap trout is sitting on and allow to cure in refrigerator for 2 days, flipping fish over after 24 hours. Unwrap fish, rinse off beet and sugar mixture under cold water and pat dry with paper towel. Slice fillet very thinly across fish on the bias, taking care to leave behind skin. Fan out on plate, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
- In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, capers and red onion. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Just before ready to serve, spread bread with butter and then some lemondill sauce. Divide cucumber, zucchini and radishes equally among bread slices. Top with trout and garnish with dill sprigs, if desired. Serve immediately.
Drink Pairings
AHI TUNA POKE CONE
Ingredients
Serves 12
MISO SESAME CONES:
¼ cup (60 ml) butter
½ cup (125 ml) corn syrup
1 tbsp (15 ml) miso paste
½ tbsp (7 ml) sesame oil
1 pinch each,salt and black pepper
¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour, sifted
½ tbsp (7 ml) ground ginger
¼ cup (60 ml) black, white or mixed sesame seeds
AHI TUNA POKE:
¼ cup (60 ml) Japanese shoyu
½ tbsp (7 ml) sambal oelek
1 tsp (5 ml) wasabi
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1½-in (4 cm) piece ginger root, peeled and finely minced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
½ medium white or sweet onion, peeled and finely diced
1 lb (500 ml) ahi tuna, cut into ¼ -in (0.5 cm) dice
2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped dry-roasted macadamia nuts, optional
caviar, tobiko or masago, for garnish, optional, available at Asian supermarkets
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Melt butter and corn syrup in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, stirring until mixed together. Do not boil. Remove from heat and whisk in miso paste and sesame oil. While stirring continuously, add flour and mix until smooth. Stir in ginger and sesame seeds.
- Drop in 1 tbsp (15 ml) portions on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 or 3-in (5 to 8 cm) apart, as they will spread. Bake 10 minutes, then remove from oven and cool slightly until firm enough to flip over, about 2 minutes. Bake one more minute.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly until firm enough to handle and form into small cones while warm. If they start to get too hard to shape, return to oven to soften a bit. Once shaped, set on a rack to cool.
- In a bowl, combine shoyu, sambal oelek, wasabi, sesame oil, garlic, ginger root, green onions and white onion. Add the ahi tuna and toss until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for an hour. To serve, fill cones with poke mixture and garnish with caviar, tobiko or masago.
Drink Pairings
CARAMELIZED PORK HOT POT
Ingredients
Serves 4 as part of a multi-course meal
CARAMEL SAUCE:
1 lb (500 g) light brown palm sugar (or yellow sugar)
1¼ cups (300 ml) fish sauce
PORK HOT POT:
3 lbs (750 g) pork spareribs, cut crosswise through bone into 2-in (5 cm) strips
½ large yellow onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced, peeled ginger root or galangal root
1 tbsp (15 ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) coarse black pepper
6 tbsp (90 ml) fish sauce, divided
6 tbsp (90 ml) Caramel Sauce
3 green onions, trimmed, finely chopped
Instructions
- To make CARAMEL SAUCE: Add palm sugar to a medium-sized heavy saucepan and gently melt over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- When completely melted and lump free and just starting to boil, remove from heat and slowly stir in fish sauce. Be careful as it will bubble furiously. Use right away or cool and transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool area for up to 3 months. Makes about 2 cups (500 ml).
- To make pork, cut each 2-in (5 cm) strip of rib between bones or cartilage forming individual riblets. Transfer riblets to a large bowl and mix in onion, ginger, sugar, black pepper and half the fish sauce. Toss to coat well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
- About 1 hour before cooking, remove bowl from refrigerator. Turn on oven broiler. Place riblets on a foillined baking sheet lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Place under broiler and cook about 8 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred.
- Transfer seared riblets with any reserved marinade and cooking juices into a large Dutch oven. Add remaining fish sauce, 6 tbsp (90 ml) Caramel Sauce, and enough water to almost cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 45 minutes. Uncover and adjust heat to simmer vigorously. Cook about 20 more minutes, or until riblets are fork-tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes to let fat rise, then skim off as much as possible. Return to a simmer and season to taste. Transfer to serving bowl and garnish with green onions.
Drink Pairings
BRAISED PORK CHEEK WITH GRILLED ASPARAGUS
Ingredients
Serves 2
PORK BRINE:
¾ cup (175 ml) each of kosher salt and granulated sugar
1 cup (250 ml) boiling water
1 tsp (5 ml) whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs thyme
20 star anise
½ head of garlic
BRAISED PORK CHEEK AND ASPARAGUS:
1 lb (500 g) fresh, natural fed pork cheek, cleaned of all silver skin
2 tsp + 1 tbsp (10 ml + 15 ml) olive oil, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
½ cup (125 ml) medium-diced onion
¼ cup (60 ml) medium-diced carrot
¼ cup (60 ml) medium-diced celery
2 garlic cloves, peeled
4 cups (1 L) ham or chicken stock
sherry vinegar to taste
16 large asparagus spears, trimmed
grainy mustard
fresh herbs, such as nasturtium, for garnish
Mustard Dressing, for dotting plate (optional)
MUSTARD DRESSING:
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon mustard
2 oz (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 dash of rice wine vinegar
salt, to taste
Instructions
- To make PORK BRINE: Combine kosher salt and granulated sugar in a container large enough to hold 5 cups (1.25 L) of liquid and 1 lb (500 g) of meat. Add 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water to dissolve salt and sugar. Add peppercorns, bay leaves, sprigs of thyme, star anise and garlic. Add remaining cold water to yield 5 cups (1.25 L) total and stir in. Chill brine before adding pork. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 12 hours.
- Brine cheeks overnight, then remove from brine and place on a towel. Let dry in fridge for minimum 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 285 F (140 C). Heat 2 tsp (10 ml) olive oil in a medium ovenproof saucepan. Lightly dust pork cheek with flour and brown gently, remove meat and add diced vegetables and garlic and sweat over medium heat just until softened, a couple of minutes. Add ham or chicken stock and deglaze pan.
- Add pork cheeks to stock. Cover and slow braise in oven for about 1½ hours or until pork is tender. Remove from oven and allow meat to cool in stock. Then remove meat and pat dry with paper towel.
- Strain stock and return to saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat until reduced to about 1 cup (250 ml) and thickened to a glazing consistency, about 30 minutes. Taste and add a splash of sherry vinegar, to taste.
- To make MUSTARD DRESSING: Whisk together egg yolk and Dijon mustard, while streaming in extra-virgin olive oil. When thickened add a dash of rice wine vinegar and salt, to taste.
- Shortly before serving preheat grill and oil trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Add cheeks to reduced glaze and warm through.
- Meanwhile, grill asparagus lightly on preheated grill. Remove and brush lightly with grainy mustard.
- Serve pork cheeks with grilled asparagus alongside and a little extra reduced glaze drizzled over top. Finish plate with dollops of Mustard Dressing on plate, if desired.
Drink Pairings
CARROT, CUCUMBER AND JICAMA SALAD WITH SMOKY GRILLED LAMB
Ingredients
Serves 4
2 lbs (1 kg) well-trimmed boneless leg of lamb, cut into 3 equal pieces
2 tbsp + ¼ cup (90 ml) olive oil, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) ground cumin, divided
salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp (45 ml) rice wine vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) liquid clover honey
¼ tsp (1 ml) dry mustard powder
4 cups (1 L) roughly chopped romaine lettuce
2 large carrots, peeled and cut into long julienne curls with a spiralizer
1 unpeeled English cucumber, cut into ribbons with a vegetable peeler
2 cups (500 ml) peeled and diced jicama
2 cups (500 ml) cooked chickpeas
¾ cup (175 ml) pitted green olives, cut in half
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh chives
⅓ cup (75 ml) fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high.
- Rub lamb with 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil and season with 2 tsp (10 ml) cumin, salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium-sized bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) cumin, vinegar, honey and mustard powder. Slowly incorporate remaining ¼ cup (60 ml) oil until dressing is well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Grill lamb, turning frequently, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until nicely charred and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 135 F (57 C) for medium-rare. Transfer lamb to a carving board to rest for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl toss together romaine, carrots, cucumber, jicama, chickpeas and olives. Drizzle with dressing and toss again to coat salad. Transfer salad to a platter. Thinly slice lamb and arrange overlapping slices on salad. Garnish with chives and cilantro before serving.
Drink Pairings
BEETROOT MOUSSE WITH SPRING VEGETABLE ESCABECHE
Ingredients
Serves
BEETROOT MOUSSE:
1 lb (500 g) + 1 red beets, divided
½ cup (125 ml) cold water
4 tsp (20 ml) unflavoured gelatin
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) red wine vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple jelly
1¼ cup (300 ml) Beaujolais red wine
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
½ cup (125 ml) finely grated Parmesan
3 tbsp (45 ml) prepared horseradish
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
ESCABECHE:
⅔ cup (150 ml) grape seed or vegetable oil
⅓ cup (75 ml) white wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 medium golden beet or candy cane beet, thinly sliced
1 large watermelon radish, thinly sliced
1 medium turnip, thinly sliced
watercress or baby arugula, for garnish
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 5-in (2 L) loaf pan with a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place red beets in large saucepan and cover with 2-in (5 cm) cold water. Slowly bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer beets until tender and a knife pierces easily. Drain beets and set aside until cool enough to handle. Peel and roughly chop all but one red beet.
- In a small bowl sprinkle gelatin over ½ cup (125 ml) cold water and allow to bloom for 10 minutes.
- In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped beets, red wine vinegar and apple jelly and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Add red wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to blender along with gelatin and blend until smooth. Add olive oil, Parmesan and horseradish. Blend again until well incorporated and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into prepared pan and refrigerate until set, about 6 hours.
- To make ESCABECHE: In a saucepan over low heat, warm grape seed oil, white wine vinegar, garlic and thyme. Once warmed, stir in golden beet, radish and turnip slices. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. While waiting to cool, thinly slice remaining 1 red beet and rinse well under cold water. Add red beet slices along with a good pinch of salt and toss to coat all vegetables well in marinade.
- To serve, unmould mousse terrine with help of plastic wrap and slice into ½-in (1.25 cm) slices. Arrange on serving plates and garnish with some of the drained escabeche vegetables and a few pieces of watercress or arugula, if desired. Serve immediately.