HELPFUL HINTS
- Rib or loin chops can also be used instead of lamb steak.
- Spices keep for about six months. Buy new ones if yours are older.
Wine suggestion: When it comes to lamb, try a dry red wine such as merlot or Rioja.
COUNTDOWN
- Make lamb.
- While lamb cooks, make rice.
SHOPPING LIST
To buy: 2 6-ounce lamb steaks, center cut from leg, 1 bottle ground allspice, 1 bottle ground cinnamon, 1 bottle cayenne pepper, 1 bag washed, ready-to-eat spinach and 1 package microwaveable brown rice.
Staples: Olive oil spray, olive oil, salt and black peppercorns.
A steak cut from the leg of lamb is tender and juicy and cooks in minutes. The spiced coating makes this dish exceptional with little effort. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. If the lamb steak is not in the meat case, ask for 2 steaks about 1/2 to 3/4-inch-thick cut from the leg. It is cut right through the leg, making a round steak with a small bone in the center.
Spiced Lamb Steak
2 6-ounce lamb steaks center cut from leg, fat removed
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Olive oil spray
Remove fat from lamb. Mix allspice, cinnamon and cayenne pepper together. Spread mixture on both sides of lamb. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and spray with olive oil spray. Add the lamb and brown 2 minutes, turn lamb over and brown 2 minutes. Lower heat to medium, cover with a lid, and cook 5 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 125 degrees for rare, 145 degrees for medium. Serves: 2
Per serving: Per serving: 255 calories (40 percent from fat), 11.3 grams fat (3.4 grams saturated, 5 grams monounsaturated), 108 milligrams cholesterol, 34.5 grams protein, 2.4 grams carbohydrates, 1 grams fiber, 112 milligrams sodium.
Florentine Rice
5 cups washed, ready-to-eat spinach
1 package microwaveable brown rice to make 1 1/2-cups cooked rice
2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Place spinach in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high 1 minute. Remove and cook rice in the microwave according to package instructions. Measure 1 1/2-cups and set aside the remaining rice for another dinner. Add rice to the spinach and toss with olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Serves: 2
Per serving: Per serving: 220 calories (25 percent from fat), 6.1 grams fat (0.9 grams saturated, 3.8 grams monounsaturated), no cholesterol, 5.9 grams protein, 36.3 grams carbohydrates, 4.4 grams fiber, 68 milligrams sodium.
About the Author
