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Lamb Cutlets (with Roasted Red Pepper Puree), Couscous Salad, Charred Broccolini

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Modern Australian

Ingredients

Lamb Cutlets

  • 10 lamb cutlets; frenched
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp freshly milled black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt to season

Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Puree

  • 4 red bell peppers/capsicum whole
  • 3 medium garlic cloves
  • ½ cup raw unsalted cashewnuts
  • Salt to season
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of ½ lemon

Charred Broccolini

  • 2 broccolini bunches
  • Salt to season
  • Chilli flakes
  • 1 small garlic; finely sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Couscous Salad

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas
  • 1 Lebanese cucumber; finely chopped
  • 1 medium red onion; finely chopped
  • 1 to mato; finely chopped
  • 1 red/yellow bell pepper; finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh parsley; finely chopped
  • 5-6 olives; finely sliced
  • 50 gms feta
  • Salt to season
  • 3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Freshly milled black pepper

Instructions

Lamb cutlets:

  • Prepare a marinade with the olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika. Place the lamb cutlets in a bowl, pour the marinade over and rub well to coat all the pieces. Keep for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Heat a pan till smoking hot (I like to use either a grill or a cast iron pan) and place the lamb cutlets (cook in batches). Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, remove and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Cook all the cutlets in this manner.

Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Puree:

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan forced)
  • Line a tray with baking paper and place the peppers inside. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and roast for about 40-45 minutes at 200°C (might vary according to oven) till the skin of the peppers have blackened.
  • Remove and cover with a cloth for about 5 minutes; this makes it easier to peel off the skin.
  • Once the peppers have lightly cooled, remove the skin, pith and seeds.
  • Place in a food processor along with cashewnuts, garlic, chilli flakes, salt, lemon juice and 3 tbsp olive oil. Blitz well and add more olive oil as needed to get a smooth puree.
  • If you want a really smooth puree, you can strain the sauce but I skipped the step.

Charred Broccolini:

  • Slice each broccolini into 3 pieces (2 stalk pieces + 1 floret)
  • Heat olive oil in a stove top grill (pan can also be used) and when really hot, add the broccolini stalks and garlic. Cook for a minute on high heat.
  • Then add the florets, chilli flakes and season with salt.
  • Toss on high heat for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Serve warm

Couscous Salad;

  • Cook the couscous as per packet instructions.
  • To make the dressing, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small capped container. Shake vigorously and keep aside.
  • Once the couscous is cooked, use a fork to separate the grains. When cooled, add the remaining ingredients and toss well.
  • Add the crumbled feta and dressing just before serving (or the salad will go soggy), mix again and serve immediately.