Royal Lamb Chops Braised with Nuts and Saffron


Course : Lamb
Serves: 4
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Ingredients:


4 tablespoons Unsalted butter

1/4 Cup Sliced almonds

1/4 Cup Slivered pistachios

6 cloves Garlic

1 piece One-inch piece fresh ginger

1 teaspoon Coriander

5 pieces Green cardamom pods -- husked

1 medium Fresh hot green chile

1/4 teaspoon Black peppercorns

5 Whole cloves

1/2 teaspoon Royal cumin -- or regular cumin seeds (see note)

1/4 teaspoon Ground mace

1/4 Cup Water

3 chops Lamb rib chops -- 4 ounces each,trimmed of all fat

1/2 Cup Water

1/2 teaspoon Saffron threads -- dissolved in 2

1 tablespoons hot water

1/2 teaspoon Salt (optional)

1/2 Cup Peas -- fresh or frozen

2 tablespoons Minced fresh cilantro or parsley
 

Preparation / Directions:


This elegant entree is a specialty of Rajasthan, home of the Rajput warriors. Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add almonds and pistachios; cook, stirring, until light brown, about 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Combine the garlic, ginger, coriander, cardamom, chili, peppercorns, cloves, cumin, mace and water in a blender and blend to form a smooth paste. Arrange lamb in a large shallow dish. Rub the spice mixture over both sides of lamb. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add lamb and brown well on both sides. Add 1/4 cup of the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Add remaining water; sprinkle in saffron. Cover and cook until lamb is tender, about 10 minutes. Taste, and add salt, if needed. Stir in peas and cook 5 minutes longer. Sauce should be very thick. Transfer lamb to a heated platter. Stir sauce and pour over lamb. Top with fried nuts and cilantro.


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