Monday, April 13, 2009

Lamb cutlets?


Yes. The Times had a story of some 19th century poor man's veal or somesuch thing, updated with lamb. Read the story here. I like lamb and I just folded to my weakness and bought the cast iron dutch oven that Sameera swears by. They had it in red - how could I resist :) I'm looking forward to inaugurating the pot with this braising recipe...



1879: Epigram of Lamb
By AMANDA HESSER
This recipe ran in The Times and was attributed to Young Ladies’ Magazine.


2 pounds lamb breast, trimmed of excess fat
1/2 Spanish onion, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
3 cloves
8 black peppercorns
3 sprigs parsley
4 sprigs thyme or sage or rosemary (or all 3)
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 to 2 cups coarse dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, more if needed
1 tablespoon olive oil, more if needed
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Cooked fresh peas.


1. Lay the lamb in a large, heavy braising pot. Add the onion, carrot, celery, cloves, peppercorns, parsley and thyme. Season with salt. Add just enough water to cover and set over medium-high heat. When it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the meat is falling off the bone, 1 1/4 to 2 hours. Let the meat cool in the liquid.


2. Lay the meat on a large plate or baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap. Cover with another plate or baking sheet, place a weight on top and refrigerate overnight.


3. The next day, slice the lamb on the bias. The slices should be about 1/3-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange one shallow bowl with the beaten egg and another with the bread crumbs. Place a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Dip the lamb cutlets first in the egg, then the bread crumbs. Fry until golden brown on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Do this in batches, adding more butter and olive oil if needed. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh green peas. Serves 4.

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