Lamb Shoulder Chops with Charred Tomato Relish

, from Issue #28. September, 2015
Photography by Aaron McLean.
Lamb Shoulder Chops with Charred Tomato Relish

The onion juice in this marinade acts as a tenderizer. Combined with the other ingredients it infuses this sometimes chewy cut of lamb with a wonderful flavour.

Serves: 6–8

INGREDIENTS

6-8 shoulder chops, about 1 cm thick

Marinade
1 onion, peeled
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary
1 teaspoon each ground cumin and paprika
zest and juice 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup coriander, roughly chopped
sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Tomato relish
olive oil
4 large vine tomatoes, halved
1 red capsicum, cut into thin strips
¼ – ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon honey
sea salt and freshly ground pepper

METHOD

Marinade: Roughly chop the onion and place in a food processor with the remaining ingredients. Blend to a thick paste.

Tip into a large shallow dish. Cut the lamb chops through their natural join, into two pieces. Add the lamb to the marinade and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. The longer you marinate them the better the flavour.

Relish: Heat the grill plate until hot. Add a little olive oil and cook the tomatoes and capsicum until the tomatoes are collapsing and the capsicums are lightly coloured. Scoop into a small saucepan and add the remaining ingredients. Season. Place the saucepan on the barbecue and simmer until the relish is reduced and thick. Set aside.

To cook: Remove the chops from the marinade and season. Cook on a lightly oiled, preheated barbecue for 4-5 minutes each side for lamb that is a little pink in the centre.

To serve: Arrange the lamb chops on a platter and serve the relish in a bowl.