PHOTO BY JULIE ST-JEAN
In like a lion, but lamb tastes like a delicacy EACH YEAR, THE SUN melts away our roaring winters to uncover all that is new. With spring and summer on our doorsteps, we can take great pleasure in eating well. For a perfect marriage of the fresh seasonal ingredients of spring and the welcome lifestyle of outdoor cooking, check out this Moroccan spiced grill for exciting new ideas. The irreplaceable taste of fresh herbs complement light grains. They also balance the heat of Middle East spices in both the lamb burgers and the spicy chickpea salad. LAMB BURGERS Lamb is a tender delicacy. Ground lamb from the shoulder is the most flavourful cut, and it stands up well to the heavy seasonings that make it the perfect vehicle for our Moroccan spiced grill. 2 lb (1 kg) ground lamb 1 small onion, diced fine 2 tbsp (30 mL) garlic, minced 2 tsp (10 mL) cumin 1½ tsp (7.5 mL) cayenne 2 tsp (10 mL) salt 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil ½ cup (125 mL) chopped fresh mint ½ cup (125 mL) ground pistachio or almonds
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Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Knead well. Divide mixture into six for burgers, 12 for large kebobs or 24 for small kebobs. Barbeque burgers on a preheated grill over medium heat for approximately four minutes per side for a medium-cooked burger (140-150 degrees F). Barbeque large kebobs for approximately two minutes per side, and one minute for per side for the small kebobs. For a unique burger, serve with plain yogurt, lettuce, cucumber relish and tomato in half of a whole wheat pita pocket.
CUCUMBER MINT RELISH A refreshingly light condiment that takes only minutes to prepare, but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Add this to yogurt for a homemade tzatziki. 1 English cucumber, seeded and diced fine 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 shallot, diced fine 1 clove of garlic, minced ¼ cup white wine vinegar or rice vinegar ¼ cup mint pinch of each salt and pepper Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shallots and garlic briefly for one minute. Add vinegar, salt, pepper and fresh mint. Pour over diced cucumber. Makes 4-6 servings.
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