Aromatic Spiced Lamb Cutlets with Couscous

This is a very quick and easy meal to prepare. I left out the fresh coriander in the couscous since hubby isn't a big fan of coriander.Bon appetit!

Serves 3-4

Ingredients

8 lamb cutlets, trimmed, about 400g in total
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
juice of ½ lemon
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
sprigs of fresh mint to garnish

Minted yoghurt sauce

¼ - ½ cucumber
150g plain low-fat yoghurt
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp bottled mint sauce
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint


Apricot & Almond Couscous

200g couscous
100g dried apricots, chopped
500ml boiling vegetable stock
50g whole blanched almonds, toasted
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
juice of ½ lemon
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method

1. Preheat grill to high. Place the lamb cutlets in a shallow dish. Grind the cumin and coriander seeds briefly in a pestle and mortar to crack them, then mix with the lemon juice, garlic and oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture over the lamb cutlets, turn them over to coat both sides and set aside to marinate while you make the sauce.
2. To make the mint sauce: cut the cucumber in half length ways and scoop out the seeds with a teaspoon. Grate the cucumber coarsely and drain off any excess water. Mix with the yogurt, garlic, mint sauce and fresh mint. Set aside.
3. Place the lamb cutlets under the griller and grill for 10–12 minutes, turning once. The cutlets will be medium-rare; if you prefer them medium to well-done cook for 12–14 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, put the couscous and apricots in a large bowl and pour over the boiling stock. Stir well, then cover with a plate and set aside to soak for 5 minutes.
5. Stir the almonds, chopped mint and coriander, lemon juice and oil into the couscous. Spoon the couscous onto plates, top each serving with 2 lamb cutlets and put a spoonful of the sauce on the side. Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint and serve immediately.

Almond Jelly

This is a recipe for a popular dessert in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. It's very simple to make and a very refreshing snack to eat, particularly on warmer days.

Ingredients

½ cup caster sugar
2 cups cold water
1½ tablespoons powdered gelatine
185ml can evaporated milk
½ teaspoon almond essence

Method

1. Place sugar and cold water in a saucepan over low heat. Stir for 4 to 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium. Bring to the boil. Remove from heat. Sprinkle gelatine. Stir with a fork until gelatine has dissolved.
2. Combine milk and almond essence in a bowl. Add sugar mixture, stirring, in a slow steady stream. Pour into a 3cm deep, 20cm x 30cm lamington pan. Cover. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until set.
3. Run a palette knife around edge of pan. Invert pan onto a chopping board. Press base of pan to release jelly. Cut jelly into squares.
4. Serve jelly with fruit salad.