Spicy Lamb Cutlets with Braised Lentils

Lamb is my favourite meat - it's so tender and tasty.  And it goes so well with lentils, especially when you add some cumin, coriander and garlic!  For this recipe, you can use lamb cutlets, lamb chops, or for a special occasion, lamb fillets.  For an everyday meal I just use lamb forequarter chops.  It tastes great with any of them.  Enjoy.


First, prepare the lamb:

1. Grind in Thermomix on speed 9 until fine:
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 2 tsp cumin seeds

- peppercorns, to taste

- herb salt, to taste
    (or you can use pre-ground spices)

2. Add garlic to Thermomix and mince on speed 7 for 3 seconds:

- 2 garlic cloves

3. Rub spice mixture and seasonings into lamb:

- 1 kg lamb cutlets (or 750g lamb fillets, or 6 large lamb chops)

Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.

The braised lentils:

1. Chop in Thermomix bowl on speed 5 for 2 seconds:

- 1 red onion, halved

2. Add oil and cook on 100 degrees for 2 minutes, speed 1:

- 30g olive oil

3.  Add and cook at 100 degrees for 40-45 minutes, reverse, speed 1:

- 1 cup dried whole green lentils (rinsed - pre-soak if you have time)

- 1 bay leaf

- 700g water 

- 50g chicken stock paste (made in Thermomix)

     Lentils should be tender and liquid mostly absorbed.

     Pour into Thermoserver (or serving dish), remove bay leaf, and cover to keep warm.

     
Now cook the lamb:

1. Heat a frying pan on medium heat, than add:
- 2 Tblspns olive oil


2. Add lamb and cook until done to your liking. If using fillets, slice thinly to serve.

3. Spoon lentils onto plates, top with lamb, and serve with a salad.