Grilled Lamb Lollipops Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
1057 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Grilled Lamb Lollipops Recipe
Description
This recipe begins by toasting cumin, coriander seeds, and cinnamon stick to bring out their aroma before grinding them finely. These spices are combined with minced fresh thyme and oregano, grated garlic, lemon zest and juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, coarse salt, and ground black pepper to form an intense marinade. The lamb rack is cut into small two-bone portions called lollipops and coated thoroughly with the marinade.
After marinating refrigerated for 24 to 48 hours, the lamb lollipops are grilled over very high heat (450° to 550°), cooking 3 to 4 minutes per side to develop a seared crust while maintaining tenderness. The result is richly spiced, juicy lamb with fresh herb and citrus brightness balanced by the robust spices.
The dish can be served with mint sauce which complements the lamb's flavors. The recipe suggests alternatives such as single-bone cuts and substitutions for fresh herbs.
The marinade is intended to be strong as the meat absorbs only some of the flavors. Extended marinating improves depth of flavor, with a minimum of 12 hours recommended when short on time.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- ½ cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ tablespoons thyme finely minced, fresh
- 1 ½ tablespoons oregano finely minced fresh
- 10 garlic finely grated, cloves
- lemon zest and juice of 1
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons salt coarse
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 2 lamb racks cut into 2 bone pieces
- mint sauce optional
Instructions
- Add the cumin, coriander seeds, and half cinnamon stick to a medium-sized sauté pan (10”) and cook on low heat for 7 to 10 minutes while occasionally stirring. Doing this will help make the spices more aromatic and pungent.
- Transfer the spices to a mortar and use a pestle to finely grind them or grind them down in a spice grinder.
- Place the ground spices into a large bowl with the thyme, oregano, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk it until it is well combined.
- Prepare the lamb by slicing the rack into 2-bone pieces making lamb lollipops. You can cut them into single-bone pieces as well.
- Put the lamb in the bowl with the spices and move it around so that it is coated on all sides.
- Cover the bowl in plastic wrap or transfer it to a plastic zip bag and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.
- Preheat the grill to high heat (450° to 550°), place the marinated lamb lollipops onto the grill, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on all sides for a medium-rare (125°) internal temperature.
- Remove the lamb and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Serve the lamb on a plate with a mint sauce and optional grilled lemon slices, and additional fresh herb leaves like mint, oregano, or thyme.
Notes
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Store marinated lamb covered in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months; thaw thoroughly before cooking.
- If reheating is necessary, bake covered at 350°F for 6-8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Dry oregano can substitute fresh oregano; dry thyme can replace fresh thyme at a 1:1 tablespoon ratio.
- The marinade should be intensely flavored since only a portion penetrates the meat.
- Marinate lamb for at least 12 hours to ensure good flavor when time is limited.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1057 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1057kcal | 53% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 99g | 152% |
| Saturated Fat | 40g | 200% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 45g | 225% |
| Cholesterol | 189mg | 63% |
| Sodium | 1013mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 525mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 182IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 71mg | 7% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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