Sublime Moroccan Spiced Lamb with Herb Salad
Experience the vibrant and aromatic flavors of North Africa with our Sublime Moroccan Spiced Lamb. With a luscious marinade enriched by Ras el Hanout spice mix, this dish promises a sensory delight. The succulent lamb fillets are paired with a refreshing herb and tomato salad, creating a perfect balance of rich and fresh flavors. Ideal for a special dinner, this recipe transforms a simple meal into a culinary journey.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemon juice
1 (from 1 large lemon)
lemon zest
1 (from 1 large lemon)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (extra virgin)
garlic cloves
3 (sliced)
Ras el Hanout spice mix
2 teaspoons (homemade or store-bought)
lamb fillets
4 (trimmed, about 500g total weight)
flat leaf parsley
1 cup (fresh)
mint leaves
20 (roughly chopped)
fresh oregano
20 leaves (whole)
vine-ripened tomatoes
2 (roughly chopped)
Instructions
1
In a ceramic or non-reactive bowl, combine the lemon juice and zest with the olive oil, sliced garlic, and Ras el Hanout spice mix to create a fragrant marinade.
2
Place the lamb fillets into the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
3
Preheat a frying pan over high heat. Remove the lamb fillets from the marinade, shaking off any excess.
4
Sear the lamb fillets in the hot pan, cooking until your desired doneness is reached—medium rare to medium is recommended for optimal tenderness.
5
Remove the lamb from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
6
Meanwhile, prepare the herb salad by combining the flat-leaf parsley, mint leaves, oregano, and chopped tomatoes in a mixing bowl. Toss to mix evenly.
7
To serve, divide the herb salad among four plates. Slice the rested lamb fillets diagonally across the grain for tenderness and arrange the slices atop the salad on each plate. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sublime Moroccan Spiced Lamb with Herb Salad?
It is a vibrant North African-inspired dish featuring lamb fillets marinated in Ras el Hanout and served with a fresh tomato and herb salad.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The dish features aromatic spices from the Ras el Hanout mix, citrusy lemon, savory garlic, and fresh herbal notes from parsley, mint, and oregano.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the total weight of lamb needed?
You will need approximately 500g of lamb fillets for this recipe.
How long should the lamb marinate?
The lamb should marinate for at least 3 hours, though refrigerating it overnight is recommended for the best flavor.
What is Ras el Hanout?
Ras el Hanout is a complex North African spice blend that provides the signature warm and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, sliced garlic cloves, and Ras el Hanout spice mix.
How do I prepare the herb salad?
The salad is made by tossing together fresh flat-leaf parsley, mint leaves, oregano, and roughly chopped vine-ripened tomatoes.
What is the best way to cook the lamb fillets?
Sear the fillets in a hot frying pan over high heat until they reach your desired level of doneness.
What is the recommended doneness for the lamb?
Medium rare to medium is recommended to ensure the lamb remains tender and succulent.
Why must the lamb rest after cooking?
Resting the lamb for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist when sliced.
How should the lamb be sliced for serving?
The lamb should be sliced diagonally across the grain to maximize tenderness.
Are the herbs in the salad used whole or chopped?
The mint is roughly chopped, while the parsley is measured as a cup and the oregano leaves are kept whole.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for two roughly chopped vine-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best, as the recipe utilizes both the juice and the zest from one large lemon.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 3 garlic cloves, which should be sliced for the marinade.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, with a preparation focus on marinating and a quick sear for the meat, it is tagged as an easy recipe.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I make the Ras el Hanout myself?
Yes, you can use either a homemade or store-bought Ras el Hanout spice mix.
What should the lamb be served on top of?
The sliced lamb fillets are arranged atop a portion of the fresh herb and tomato salad.
Is this dish suitable for a special dinner?
Absolutely, it is described as an ideal choice for a special dinner that transforms a meal into a culinary journey.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 specific ingredients listed for this dish.
What should I do with the excess marinade?
You should shake off any excess marinade from the lamb fillets before placing them in the hot frying pan.
Can I use other herbs in the salad?
The recipe specifies parsley, mint, and oregano, which provide a traditional Mediterranean and North African profile.
How do I ensure the lamb is tender?
Tenderness is achieved by proper marinating, cooking to medium-rare or medium, resting the meat, and slicing across the grain.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
The current recipe data does not provide specific calorie or macronutrient counts.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, and spices in a ceramic or non-reactive bowl.
Should the salad be chilled?
The recipe suggests preparing it while the lamb rests and serving immediately at room temperature.
Is the garlic crushed or sliced?
The garlic should be sliced rather than crushed for this specific marinade.
What makes the salad refreshing?
The combination of fresh mint and vine-ripened tomatoes provides a cool contrast to the warm, spiced lamb.