Author of A Healthier Family for Life, Donna Crous, says, "I can’t say that I’m a massive anchovy fan, but I do love the salty flavour in this sauce when it’s teamed up with delicious roast lamb neck fillets. Not only do they add a gorgeous umami flavour but they also add a healthy powerful punch of vitamins and nutrients."
dairy-free recipe • gluten-free recipe • keto recipe • Paleo recipe
Serves 4
Start preparations the day before.
Ingredients:
- 100g fresh mint leaves
- 25g flat-leaf parsley
- 100g jar of anchovies in olive oil
- 2 tbsp capers
- 120ml olive oil, plus extra for frying
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 4 lamb neck fillets
Method to make the lamb neck fillets:
1 Put the mint in a blender and add the parsley, anchovies, capers, olive oil and crushed garlic. Blend together.
2 Put two-thirds of the mixture in a zip storage bag or dish and add the lamb fillets. Leave the lamb to marinate in the fridge for as long as possible, ideally overnight. Save the remaining mixture in the fridge to serve later as a side sauce.
3 Heat the oven grill (to medium if possible). Heat an ovenproof frying pan over high heat with a drizzle of oil. Remove the lamb from the marinade.
4 Sear the lamb fillets on all sides, one at a time. Put all the fillets back into the pan, or in a roasting tin, and grill for 5 minutes on each side.
5 Remove the lamb from the grill, leave to rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with the remaining mint sauce on the side.
Top tip: This can be served either warm or cooled.
A Healthier Family for Life by Donna Crous is published by Little Brown and is available at all good bookstores, as well as online at Exclusive Books and TakeAlot
BabyYumYum FAQs for Lamb Neck Fillets with mint umami sauce
What are the recommended alternatives if I don’t have lamb neck fillets on hand? Other cuts of lamb, such as leg or loin, can be used with adjusted cooking times to ensure tenderness and flavour.
How long should I marinate the lamb fillets for optimal flavour? Marinate the lamb overnight ideally for the best taste, but a few hours will also enhance the flavour profile.
Can I prepare the mint umami sauce in advance? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Use it both as a marinade and a side sauce for serving.
Are anchovies necessary in the sauce, and can they be omitted? Anchovies add a distinctive umami taste to the dish. While they can be omitted, the flavour profile will be different without them.
How can I tell when the lamb neck fillets are cooked perfectly? Grill the lamb for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Allowing the lamb to rest for 5 minutes after grilling helps retain its juices and tenderness.
What are some suitable side dishes to accompany this recipe? Consider serving the lamb with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a fresh salad to complement the flavours of the mint umami sauce.
Is this recipe adaptable for special dietary needs like keto or Paleo? Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. It can be adjusted for keto and Paleo diets by making ingredient substitutions and portion adjustments as needed.
Where can I find Donna Crous’ cookbook “A Healthier Family for Life”? You can purchase the cookbook from major bookstores or online retailers such as Exclusive Books and Takealot.
Can leftovers of this dish be served cold? Yes, leftovers can be enjoyed cold, providing a convenient and flavoursome option for subsequent meals.
How should I reheat leftovers of this dish? To reheat, gently warm in the oven or microwave, being careful not to overcook to maintain the lamb’s texture and flavour.
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