Grilled Lamb Tikka with Caramelized Apricots + Pine Nut Labneh
If you are in a hurry, you can skip straining the yogurt and just use it as is, not a huge deal
If you are in a hurry, you can skip straining the yogurt and just use it as is, not a huge deal
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/3 cup canned coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt + pepper
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice + zest
- 2 tablespoons tandoori paste
- 1 tablespoon each: pine nuts (pistachios and sesame seeds chopped)
- mixed herbs (chopped (i used cilantro basil, oregano + mint))
- olive oil (for serving)
- 4 lamb steaks
- 6 ripe (but firm apricots, halved + pitted)
- 6 fresh warm [naan | https://www.halfbakedharvest.co
- fresh mint + cherry tomatoes (for serving)
- Carbohydrate 20.500366676499 g
- Cholesterol 373.275 mg
- Fat 116.14603502743 g
- Fiber 1.75998756475256 g
- Protein 107.67768958364 g
- Saturated Fat 57.6854040039007 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (742g)
- Sodium 467.085083341154 mg
- Sugar 18.7403791117465 g
- Trans Fat 7.37170000121974 g
- Calories 1570 calories
Step-by-step
- In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest and a pinch of salt.
- Place a sheet of cheesecloth or a thin kitchen towel in mesh strainer. Pour the yogurt mixture into the cloth and bring the edges of the cloth together at the top. Tie together the ends of the cloth, so the yogurt is closed inside. Place the strainer over a large bowl and place in the fridge overnight. If you are in a hurry, you can skip straining the yogurt and just use the Greek yogurt as is, not a huge deal!!
- Meanwhile, add the pine nuts, pistachios, sesame seeds and thyme to a skillet. Cook until toasted and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt.
- When the labneh is ready, remove it from the fridge and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in the chopped herbs and then place in a bowl and cover with olive oil. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Place the lamb in a gallon size ziplock bag or a 9x13 inch pyrex. Add the tandoori paste, coconut milk, sesame oil, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Massage the marinade all over the lamb steaks. Let sit for 20-30 minutes or up to 6 hours in the fridge.
- When ready to grill, preheat the grill or a grill pan to high heat.
- In a bowl, toss together the apricots, honey and balsamic vinegar.
- Place the steaks on the grill and grill about 5 minutes per side (cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your lamb) or until your desired doneness is reached. Remove from the grill and allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing the steak thinly.
- Meanwhile, rub the grill with a little oil if need and then add the apricots. Grill for 3 minutes per side or until the apricots begin to caramelize. Once grill marks begin to appear, you will know they are ready.
- To serve, place a piece of naan on a plate. Add the slices of lamb and then the apricots. Place a few labneh balls on each piece of naan and sprinkle with the pine nut/seed mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and then add fresh mint and cherry tomatoes. EAT!
A Busy Mom's Guide to a Delicious and Effortless Weeknight Meal
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and managing household chores, finding time for a delicious and healthy dinner often feels like an impossible task. But what if I told you there's a way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This Grilled Lamb Tikka with Caramelized Apricots and Pine Nut Labneh recipe is my secret weapon for effortlessly elegant weeknight dinners. It's impressive enough to serve to guests, yet simple enough to whip up even on the busiest of days.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The lamb marinade can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to throw it in the fridge and forget about it until dinnertime. The labneh, a strained yogurt dip, is equally easy to make – or, if you're really pressed for time, you can simply use store-bought Greek yogurt. No one will ever know the difference! The caramelized apricots add a touch of sweetness and sophistication, balancing the savory lamb perfectly.
Why this recipe works for busy moms:
- Make-ahead friendly: The lamb marinade and labneh can be prepared hours or even a day in advance.
- Quick cooking time: Grilling the lamb and apricots is quick and efficient, minimizing cooking time.
- Minimal cleanup: The recipe involves minimal dishes, which is a huge bonus on a busy weeknight.
- Impressive results: This dish looks and tastes far more complex than it actually is, impressing your family and guests alike.
- Adaptable to your needs: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. For example, feel free to substitute different nuts and seeds.
Beyond the Busy Weeknight:
This recipe isn't just for busy weeknights; it's also perfect for weekend entertaining or a special occasion. Imagine serving this dish to your friends, impressing them with your culinary skills without sacrificing your precious time. The vibrant colors and exotic flavors make it a conversation starter, guaranteed to elicit compliments.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs in the labneh and marinade. Fresh parsley, mint, or dill would all be delicious additions.
- Fruit variations: Peaches or nectarines could be substituted for apricots, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute halloumi or paneer cheese for the lamb for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this dish with fluffy naan bread, a simple green salad, or some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures is truly delightful, making it a dish that's both delicious and memorable. So, next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and impressive dinner recipe, look no further than this Grilled Lamb Tikka. It's the perfect blend of convenience and culinary excellence, designed to make even the busiest of moms feel like a culinary superstar.
