Guys, Grilled Lamb, and Giada (Well, More Bobby Flay Actually)

When Jeff watches t.v., it’s typically one of three types of shows: sports (he’s a guy), nature/science programs (he’s a doctor), and cooking competitions (I’m stumped). He’s not so much into instructional cooking shows, though he doesn’t mind Giada’s Everyday Italian (he’s a guy). What he really likes are the cooking competitions, like Top Chef and Iron Chef America.

One night last summer, we saw a particularly inspiring episode of Iron Chef featuring Bobby Flay, Jeff’s second favorite chef after Cat Cora (he’s a guy; Jeff, not Cat, that is). We like Bobby’s creativity and the way he makes ordinary grilled food seem chic.

So the following day when I went to the library, I checked out a couple of his books, including Grilling for Life and Boy Gets Grill. They were mixed in among a 4-foot high pile of cookbooks (including many baking ones) that caught Jeff’s eye when he came home.

Picking through the pile like he was looking for the perfect apple among many bruised ones, he paused upon seeing Bobby’s books. “Hon, why do you have two Bobby Flay grilling cookbooks?” he asked.

“Because he’s the guy you really like on Iron Chef, so I thought I’d check out some of his recipes,” I replied.

“So, are you planning on just reading them or actually making something from them?” he asked.

“Making something. Why else would I have gotten them?” I said. (Though we both instantly realized the flaw in that argument—for the next three weeks, the closest thing those baking books would come in contact with is dust.)

“But hon, we don’t have a grill,” he said delicately.

“I know we don’t have a grill, but we will some day,” I said.

For the last three years, we lived in a WWII era home with many charming traits, including honey-colored hard woods and a fragrant lemon tree outside of our bedroom window. However, since these homes were built about 8 inches apart from one another, grills were not allowed.

We’re in a new place now that was recently constructed, so we have not one but two grills. As a result, Bobby and I have become pretty tight.

So when I received an email a couple of weeks ago from Rachelle of the American Lamb Board, offering me some lamb, I didn’t hesitate to accept or to consult Bobby. When I asked Jeff if he would prefer Bobby’s lamb sandwich with a sage aioli and sun-dried tomato tapenade or lamb kebabs with a minted yogurt chutney and tomato-eggplant jam, his answer was “yes.” I made both.


My experience was wonderful. As Rachelle promised, the package of lamb from Superior Farms arrived on time; it contained an 8-9 pound piece of lamb, 4 skewers, a meat thermometer, some dried rosemary and Turkish oregano from Penzey’s, and some recipes from the Board.

Lamb is a versatile meat that can be cooked in various ways with various seasonings. To make the most succulent lamb possible, marinate it overnight in olive oil and fresh herbs; this helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Also cook it on a thoroughly preheated grill until medium-rare to prevent it from becoming tough. The result: charred on the outside, buttery on the inside. In fact, when Jeff finished his sandwich, he said, “This is palpably better than store-bought lamb. You better find out how much this costs to ship, cause we gotta get this again.”

This recipe for Grilled Lamb Sandwiches with Sage Aioli and Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade is from Hot Off the Grill with Bobby Flay on The Food Network. I made minor changes such as adding arugula leaves for extra spice and color and substituting fresh herbs for capers in the tapenade. Since everything in this recipe can be made the day ahead, it’s a great weeknight meal when you’re short on time.

Grilled Lamb Sandwiches with Sage Aioli and Sun-Dried
Tomato Tapenade
Serves 4

Print recipe only here.

Marinade:
4 lamb steaks (about 4-6 ounces each)
½ cup olive oil
1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
4 rosemary sprigs
salt and pepper

2 bunches spring onions, trimmed
1 tsp olive oil
2 French bread baguettes
A handful of arugula leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Sage Aioli:
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
3-4 sage leaves, finely chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1-2 tsp fresh lemon juice

Sun-Dried Tomato and Black Olive Tapenade:
½ cup minced mixed cured olives, such as Kalamata, Cerignola, Nicoise
4-6 oil-soaked sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp good olive oil
1 Tbsp minced fresh basil
1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
2 tsp fresh lemon juice, plus some zest
Several shakes of crushed red pepper

Marinate lamb in olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and salt and pepper for at least 4 hours or overnight.

To prepare the sage aioli, combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. (Can be made ahead.)

To prepare the sun-dried tomato tapenade, combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. (Can be made ahead.)

To prepare sandwiches, preheat grill. Brush green onions with 1 tsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until almost cooked through; remove from heat. Remove lamb from marinade, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill the lamb until the thickest part registers 135 degrees F. for medium rare, turning occasionally, about 4-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and tent with foil. Let stand 10 minutes. Brush bread with some olive oil and grill, until golden brown, about 1 minute.

Spread some sage aioli and sun-dried tomato tapenade on each sandwich. Top with meat, some green onions, and a few arugula leaves.

This second recipe is also from Hot Off the Grill with Bobby Flay on The Food Network. The only changes I made were making kebabs with cherry tomatoes, omitting the garlic, and serving it with whole wheat pita bread. You may want to make extra jam...I was eating it by the spoonful.

Lamb Kebabs with Minted Cucumber Chutney and
Tomato-Eggplant Jam
Serves 4

Print recipe only here.

Marinade:
1 ¼- 1 ½ pounds lamb, cut into 16 equal pieces for skewers
½ cup olive oil
4 rosemary sprigs
1 Tbsp fresh thyme

16 cherry tomatoes, for skewers
4 whole wheat pita breads

Minted Cucumber Chutney:
8 ounces yogurt, drained
¾ cup seedless cucumbers, peeled and diced
1/4 cup mint, chiffonade
2 Tbsp finely diced green onions
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp cumin
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Tomato-Eggplant Jam:
1 small eggplant, thickly sliced
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved and seeded
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Marinate the lamb in olive oil and fresh herbs at least 4 hours or overnight.

To drain yogurt, place in a fine mesh sieve over a bowl; refrigerate for at least a couple of hours. Place the drained yogurt in a medium bowl. Add the remaining ingredients, and season generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Brush the eggplant slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill until just cooked through and lightly golden brown. Cut the eggplant into 1/2 inch dices. Place in a medium bowl, and toss with the remaining ingredients.

To warm pitas, place on grill for about 1 minute, flipping once. Keep under tented foil until ready to use.

To cook meat, preheat grill. Remove the lamb from the marinade, and season with salt and pepper. Alternate 4 pieces of lamb and four cherry tomatoes per skewer. Grill for 4-6 minutes, turning as needed, for medium-rare.

Serve cooked kebabs with chutney, jam, and pita breads.

You might also like:
Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Sandwich
(Giant) Grilled Lobster
Fritatta (Fri-taaa-ta) Sandwich



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“It's Fri—taaa—taa!”

Every Friday after school, my mom and I delivered groceries to my grandmother in her little apartment. (More about her here). We arrived at her front door, arms heavy with Stop n' Shop bags, and would ring the bell with a free elbow. Invariably, I would complain about how long it was taking her. (I swear, it took her 5 minutes to walk the 10 feet from her recliner to the front door). And invariably, we would hear her voice from within, “Aspette! Aspette!” (Wait! Wait!). With my arms completely numb by this point, she would finally let us in and exclaim: “Oooohh, I’m so glad you came! I just made a nice fri—taaa—taa. You’ll have some.” She said it every time as if she didn’t expect us.

Though we ate frittata often at home, I associate it most with Spring and with Nan; Fridays during Lent we would abstain from meat, so she always made a simple vegetable frittata, which was waiting for us when we arrived.

On a typical New England March day (rainy and raw), we couldn’t wait to get inside her toasty warm apartment where the thermostat was always set at 78 degrees. Her cramped apartment exuded comfort: as a girl, I loved the way every nook and cranny was filled with furniture and heirlooms and the way the smell of baked goods and coffee filled the rooms. It was so quiet that I would just sit crouched on her sofa in the few beams of light from the late afternoon sun and listen to the ticking of her grandfather clock. After filling ourselves on frittata, my grandmother (and oftentimes my mother and I!) would fall asleep.

Frittata is really nothing more than eggs with vegetables, cheeses, or meats cooked into it. Yet, made the right way, it is oh-so-satisfying. Of the countless delicious meals my grandmother made, my mother still says her frittatas were the best. They were always simple: potato and onion, sausage and pepper, or spinach and Parmesan. Invariably, we would ask her: “But Nan, what do you do? Nobody makes frittata like you.” To which she would shrug her shoulders, throw her hand in the air, and reply,“What? What do I do? It’s frittata,” then smile to herself. She loved the compliment, and we knew it.

Nan’s Potato, Pepper, and Onion Frittata
Print recipe only here.

1-2 tsp olive oil
1 small potato, diced
1 small onion or shallot
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
5 eggs (Egg Beaters or whites only are also fine)
A handful of fresh basil, thinly sliced
A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
A few shakes of crushed red pepper
A few dashes of salt

Over medium-low heat, add olive oil to an 8-inch non-stick skillet; and potatoes and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 min. Add onions; cook another 2-3 minutes. Add red bell pepper strips; cook another 2-3 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a small bowl; add fresh basil, parsley, cheese, salt, and red pepper. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. With a fork, gently move the egg mixture from side to side as it begins to cook to ensure that it cooks evenly. Do this until the eggs start to solidify and a crust begins to form around the edges. This takes about 5-8 minutes. Give the pan handle a jiggle, and when the eggs appear set, remove the pan from the stovetop and place under the broiler. Broil for 3-4 minutes, until the top begins to puff up and turn a golden brown. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Once nicely browned, let cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve hot or at room temperature. Makes 2 large or 4 small servings.

Leftovers? Try a Frittata Sandwich

Since no one left Nan's house without food (ever), we would often eat frittata for lunch the next day. Mom would put it on toasted Italian bread with a little bit of homemade tomato sauce ("gravy" for the RI readers) and melted mozzarella. It's one of Jeff's favorites.

I am submitting this post to the Ellie of Kitchen Wench who is hosting a lovely once-off event: Nostalgia Tastes Bittersweet. Also, for another springtime frittata recipe, check out Toni's asparagus frittata at Daily Bread Journal.

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I could go for broccoli rabe. I hope I'm not pregnant.

I'm craving broccoli rabe. No, Mom, I’m not pregnant.

Broccoli rabe, also called rapini, is an Italian vegetable that is actually not related to broccoli at all. It's more like a cousin of the turnip, hence its bold, bitter flavor.

My sister-in-law is also craving broccoli rabe, and she is very pregnant. I was a bit surprised to learn this (no, not that she's pregnant; that it's broccoli rabe she's craving). You see, Dee is a born and bred Southern girl: petite, with liquid blue eyes, natural blonde hair, and the ever slightest, sweet Southern twang. When I think of broccoli rabe, I think of cold New England weather, 6- foot tall hungry brothers, and crusty Italian bread. It was often a lunch my mother would serve my father and two brothers.

This coming Saturday is Dee’s baby shower in Atlanta. She and Jason (one of Jeff's brothers) are expecting a little girl in May; she will be the first new baby in Jeff’s family. You can imagine the anticipation.

I assume the broccoli rabe craving is the result of Jason's Italian heritage rubbing off on Dee. He speaks Italian and is an outstanding cook who could take on Molto Mario in an Iron Chef challenge of meats. Jason, however, wouldn’t be caught dead in orange clogs. Or clogs of any color. He’s much more of an Armani kind of guy.

Jason's love of Italian cooking and meats stems both from his mom and from his (and Jeff’s) first jobs at Tom’s Deli on Charles Street. I love to hear them reminisce about making grinders, veal parm, and chicken marsala, and about eating the scraps of sliced prosciutto that were unsuitable for the customers. Apparently, there were a lot of unsuitable scraps.

Ironically both brothers married vegetarians; needless to say, culinary compromise is key in both houses. For instance, though Jeff and I both love broccoli rabe, he has to have his with some good Italian sausage while I like mine simply paired with crispy polenta.

So, Jason and Dee, I have decided to post two recipes featuring broccoli rabe. For us vegetarians, I offer sautéed broccoli rabe on crispy polenta with a rosemary and goat cheese sauce. And for carnivores, a classic, no-frills, Italian sandwich: crunchy Ciabatta bread topped with pan seared Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, and sharp provolone. I hope they will be a marriage made in heaven.

I was also wondering, did any of you crave broccoli rabe when you were pregnant? If not, what did you crave?

Broccoli Rabe (Rapini) on Crispy Polenta with a Rosemary-Goat Cheese Sauce

Print recipe only here.

Polenta:
1 cup yellow polenta
2 cups water
2 cups milk (low fat is ok)
2 tsp butter
2 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp, plus 1 tsp olive for pan-searing

Combine the water, milk, butter, oil, and salt and pepper in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Slowly pour in the polenta and whisk. The polenta will start to bubble and spit pretty quickly. Place a cover on it, askew; reduce to a low simmer, and stir a couple of times, making sure to scrape the pan so the polenta doesn’t stick. Since it will be pan-seared, I shorten the cooking time to 10-15 minutes.

Coat a 9-inch pie plate or other round dish with cooking spray. Pour the cooked polenta in it, and smooth with a knife. Cover with foil, and place in the fridge for at least an hour (or even overnight if you want to plan ahead). Once chilled, it will easily slice into 8 pie slices.

When ready to pan sear the polenta, add 1 Tbsp, plus 1 tsp. olive oil to a non-stick skillet. Add the polenta slices and sear on each side for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Broccoli rabe:
1 large bunch broccoli rabe (stems removed)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 minced garlic clove (optional)
A few shakes of crushed red pepper
Sea salt, to taste

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Boil broccoli rabe for 1- 1 ½ minutes; drain. Plunge in a bowl of ice water. Shocking the rabe will maintain its vivid green color and stop them from cooking.

In a skillet, add olive oil. Add garlic, and sauté until it turns golden. Add broccoli rabe, crushed red pepper, and salt. Sauté 1-2 minutes more. Remove from heat.

Rosemary-Goat Cheese Sauce:
1/2 cup cream or half n’half
4 oz. soft goat cheese
1 Tbsp. minced fresh rosemary
A few cranks of freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp toasted chopped walnuts for garnish

For the goat cheese sauce, combine all ingredients in a small skillet, and heat 2-3 minutes, or until sauce is smooth and creamy.

To toast walnuts, place in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, shaking the handle slightly to toast nuts evenly. Remove when slightly golden and aromatic.

To serve, pour goat cheese sauce on each plate. Top with 2 slices of crispy polenta, 1/4 of the broccoli rabe, and 1/4 of the toasted walnuts. Garnish with some chopped fresh rosemary. Makes 4 servings.

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Sandwich with Sharp Provolone
Print recipe only here.

1 small bunch broccoli rabe, stems removed
1 small minced garlic clove, optional
2 tsp olive oil
A few shakes of crushed red pepper
Salt, to taste

1 small 8-9 inch loaf crusty Italian bread (I like Ciabatta)
2 tsp olive oil
4 slices sharp Provolone cheese
Some crushed red pepper

2 links Italian sausage
1 tsp olive oil

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Boil broccoli rabe for 1-1 ½ minutes; drain. Plunge in a bowl of ice water. Shocking the rabe will maintain its vivid green color and stop them from cooking.

In a skillet, add 2 tsp olive oil and garlic. Sauté until garlic starts to turn golden. Add broccoli rabe, crushed red pepper, and salt. Sauté 1-2 minutes more. Remove from heat.

Slice loaf in half to make 2 sandwiches. Brush the center of the bread with the olive oil. Place under the broiler for 3-4 minutes, or until golden and crunchy.

Slice sausage links in half. Add 1 tsp olive oil to a skillet, and pan sear 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are brown and crispy.

To make the sandwiches, add the provolone cheese to the hot bread. Top with sausage and broccoli rabe. Season with crushed red pepper and salt. Serve right away while the cheese is hot and melty.

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