In the spirit of Easter I’m featuring a great lamb recipe over at Artizone.  We used Martha Stewart’s recipe for inspiration for both the lamb and the couscous.  I love the bright green color and flavors for this dish, it just screams “ALAS! Spring is here!!”

We only have about a week left before Wells and I embark on our Epic European Adventure 2011 and my excitement is in full force.  However, I somehow let Wells convince me that backpacking would be the way to go, that is until I saw the size of my bag — ” UHM…I can only fit like 2 pairs of shoes in there, like max.” “Yes that’s the point — your tennis shoes, flip flops and one pair of heels, the end.”  Obviously he’s forgotten who he’s about to marry because being the shoe addict that I am that was by far the silliest request I’ve ever heard.  A few pouts and whines later I convinced him to share half of his bag with me, bringing my total shoe count to now 5 pairs of shoes (He knows in the long run it’d be better for both of our sanities :) ).

Time has been kicking my butt lately and I’ve barely been able to find time to cook, hence the recent shortage of recipes.  With Easter right around the corner I wanted to prep a dish that was simple, light but flavorful.  I love lamb because it’s easy to make, satisfying to the soul and the bold flavors of the meat can leave you happily satisfied through just a couple chops.  I’m lucky to live in Dallas and be able to have services like Artizone available to me.  They are a newly launched grocery delivery service that offers products from the top culinary artisans in Dallas.  Head on over to the Artizone blog to find how to make the lamb recipe with complete pictures that show step-by-step instructions.  Don’t forget to browse through all the other artisan goodies while you’re there, I highly recommend the Triple Chocolate Truffle Cake from La Duni.

I am also digging this couscous recipe, originally the recipe called for quinoa but since I didn’t have that readily available I simple found the next best substitute — couscous!  I blanched some asparagus and together these sides paired perfectly with the hearty chops.  It’s the perfect dish to serve to health-conscious guests or any guests with diabetic issues as it is rich in magnesium, selenium and fiber and low in fat and cholesterol.

Ingredients for Quinoa, Pea and Mint Salad (serves 4)

Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Cooking Time: 30 minutes

  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup couscous, rinsed
  • 1 cup shelled green peas or frozen peas
  • coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, torn if large

Bring stock and quinoa to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan.  Reduce heat ot a simmer; cover and cook 10 minutes, then add peas.  Cook until quinoa is tender but still chewy and has absorbed the liquid, about 5 minutes more.  Remove from heat, and let stand, covered, 5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the oil . Transfer to a serving bowl and let cool slightly (about 5 minutes) before gently stirring in the mint.  Serve salad warm or at room temperature.

 

9 Comments

  1. Pepy @Indonesia Eats says: 19 Apr ’11 • 14:24:10

    very nice Joy! I love lamb however I won’t get lamb if I come over for Easter to my laws. I wish I could get but I have to accept they don’t like lamb :)

    Reply

  2. Stuart says: 20 Apr ’11 • 00:15:28

    We are great fans of lamb.
    Typically we use New Zealand lamb – it has more flavor than most – it is not as bland so does not need too much additional flavours.

    Reply

  3. Mikaela Cowles says: 20 Apr ’11 • 15:03:31

    Time definitely feels like a butt kicker right now. I like to tell myself it’s just the season as we wait and wish for a true spring to arrive, but I have my doubts. It sounds like you found a wonderful pick me up. Lamb for Easter. Doesn’t get more on point than that. We put a leg in the marinade yesterday. UM UM GOOD.

    Reply

  4. blogbytina! says: 20 Apr ’11 • 18:10:32

    weeeeeeeeeee! these look SO good. Lamb is the best part about Easter (oops sorry jesus)!

    Reply

  5. eatwellwithwine says: 21 Apr ’11 • 12:21:26

    Nothing says spring like fresh mint! Sounds delicious!

    Reply

  6. Jean says: 21 Apr ’11 • 15:47:25

    I’m so excited for you, Joy! When you’re in Positano, ask around about a restaurant at the top of the hill that mostly locals (and those in the know) visit. It was recommended to us by the hotel owner when we visited five years ago and I still remember it fondly. Not fancy at all, just solid good food. I wish I knew the name. So excited for you and can’t wait to hear all about it!

    This lamb is my kind of meal!

    Reply

  7. [email protected] says: 22 Apr ’11 • 01:28:09

    I hope you guys have a great adventure in Europe and that it will be full of fun, food and discovery, with your 5 pairs of shoes and all ;-)

    Reply

  8. Xiaolu/6Bittersweets says: 24 Apr ’11 • 16:08:04

    I don’t eat meat but the shots are lovely my dear. This just screams spring!

    Reply

  9. [...] Joylicious [...]

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