Lamb With Broiled Asparagus And Zucchini

Lamb is one of my favorite meats to eat. I have a confession though... that was not always the case. Up until about fifteen years ago, I hated lamb; or rather, I thought I hated lamb. First, I had never even tasted lamb. And second, I had heard a lot of people complain that it was "too gamey." At the time, I didn't even know what "gamey" meant, but I knew that it probably wasn't good given the way people used the word. So being a typical adolescent, I boycotted it without even giving it a try.

Then one day, when I was about 12 or 13, I started to change how I viewed food. I decided I was going to try everything once, including lamb. I figured if I didn't like it then I would never have to eat it again...I haven't stopped eating lamb since.

Lamb is tender, juicy, and a refreshing change from other red meats. When seasoned with flavorful spices and cooked just right, it melts in your mouth. 

Enjoy!

Ingredients for Lamb Rib:

1 lamb rib

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, enough to coat rib

Fresh rosemary, chopped

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Garlic powder to taste

Juice of 1 lemon

 Directions for Lamb Rib:

Turn oven to 500

Drizzle rib with EVOO

Sprinkle with rosemary, salt, pepper, and garlic powder and pat into meat

Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon on top

In a large pan, add a little EVOO and turn the burner on full blast (you want the pan VERY hot)

Place the rib on the pan and sear both sides (about 5-7 minutes)

Remove the rib from the pan on the stove and place onto an oven-safe pan

Cook in the oven for about 10 minutes

 Note: Cooking time will vary depending on how you like your lamb.

Ingredients for Asparagus & Zucchini:

1 bunch of asparagus

1 or 2 large zucchinis

EVOO

Coarse salt

Pepper

Minced garlic

Red pepper flakes

Directions for Asparagus & Zucchini:

Cut off the ends of the asparagus and lay out in a single row on a cookie sheet

Cut off the top and bottom of the zucchini, slice in half, and place on the same cookie sheet

Drizzle EVOO over the asparagus and zucchini

Add a pinch of coarse salt and pepper to both

Spread some minced garlic over just the zucchini

Sprinkle some red pepper flakes over both vegetables

Turn the broiler on high and cook for about 10 minutes

Photo & Recipes via Rachel Escobar