cardamom-scented lamb with mashed sweet potatoes

(1 RATING)
15 Pinches
Florala, AL
Updated on Sep 6, 2012

While perfect on its own, I accompanied mine with the suggested mashed sweet potatoes and some lightly sautéed bok choy. I love the flavor of cardamom in both savory and sweet. Lamb with cardamom is a nice change from the normal mint sauce.

prep time
cook time
method ---
yield

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 cups dry red wine
  • 1 can beef broth
  • 1 can chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons cardamom seeds
  • 2- 1 1/2 pounds racks of lamb
  • 4 teaspoons coarse-grain mustard
  • - mashed sweet potatoes for serving

How To Make cardamom-scented lamb with mashed sweet potatoes

  • Step 1
    Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add tomato paste, garlic, and thyme; sauté 1 minute. Add wine and boil until reduced by half, about 8 minutes. Add both broths; boil until reduced to 1 1/4 cups, about 10 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
  • Step 2
    Preheat oven to 450°F. Toast cardamom seeds in heavy small skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Cool. Transfer to spice grinder; grind coarsely. [I used a mortar and pestle.] Sprinkle lamb with cardamom, salt and pepper.
  • Step 3
    Heat oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add 1 lamb rack; sear until brown, turning occasionally, about 6 minutes. Transfer lamb, meat side up, to baking sheet. Repeat with second lamb rack. [I was actually only using one lamb rack and so I seared it in my heavy oven-proof skillet, moved the lamb out, drained some of the oil — careful it's hot! — and then put the lamb back on the skillet instead of a separate baking sheet.
  • Step 4
    Roast until meat thermometer inserted into center registers 125°F for medium rare, about 18 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Cut lamb between bones into chops.
  • Step 5
    While chops are roasting: Bring sauce to simmer. Reduce heat to low. Add butter and mustard; whisk just until butter melts. Season with pepper.
  • Step 6
    Top with sweet mashed potatoes and lamb and serve. [I also lightly sautéed thin strips of bok choy, and wrapped them around the plated sauce. Seen in top photo.]

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