Grilled Lamb & Vegetables with Arugula, Mint & Feta

Ideally suited for summer grilling, Rack of Lamb is one of my favourite cuts of meat, and when sliced into single or double chops and marinated in a fragrant elixir of garlic, fresh mint and rosemary, the flavours are positively intoxicating. Blended together in a food processor, and loosened with a little olive oil to produce a smooth paste, the marinade is simply massaged into the lamb chops and then abandoned to works it's magic for an hour or so. Grilled with a medley of mixed vegetables in a non-stick grill basket, they can be cooked beside one another then served as a sensational summer salad. Any combination of vegetables will do, but I love the colour and flavour of broccoli, red pepper, mushrooms and baby red onions garnished with a little feta once served. Easy, healthy and delicious, Grilled Lamb Chops with Wok-Grilled Vegetables make a fabulous summer meal when it's just too hot to do anything else.

New Zealand Rack of Lamb cut into individual chops and marinated with garlic, olive oil, 

fresh rosemary and mint

Grilled Lamb & Mixed Vegetables with Arugula, Mint and Greek Feta

Serves 2

1 rack of lamb, cut into single chops

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tbsp fresh rosemary, pulled off the stem

2 tbsp fresh mint, plus an extra handful for garnish

3 tbsp olive oil

Maldon salt and fresh ground pepper

6 cups wild baby arugula

BBQ Wok-Grilled Vegetables with Feta:

1/4 head of broccoli, cut into small bite size pieces

4 large cremini mushrooms, cleaned and halved

1 red pepper, seeded and chopped

1 large shallot, skinned and quartered

3 scallions, trimmed and cut into 3-inch long pieces

2 tsp dried oregano

2 tbsp olive oil

2 oz Greek feta

Add the garlic and fresh herbs to a small food processor and blend to emulsify, then add the olive oil and blitz again until the marinade becomes a smooth paste. Pour the marinade into a shallow glass baking dish, then add the lamb chops and toss thoroughly to ensure all of the meat is well coated with the marinade. Cover and place in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours.

Return the lamb chops to room temperature before grilling. Meanwhile, place all of the chopped vegetables in large bowl and just before they are to be cooked, toss with a little olive oil and oregano, then set aside. 

Preheat the BBQ to high heat. When hot, pour the vegetables into a non-stick grilling basket and place on the grill. Cook while tossing the vegetables frequently for about 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are just done. To serve, spoon the grilled vegetables back into the bowl and then set aside and season the lamb chops with salt and pepper. Grill the chops for 3 minutes per side for medium. To serve, lay the arugula on a large platter then spoon the grilled vegetables over top, then arrange the lamb chops on top and garnish with the feta cheese and the remaining whole mint. Season with a little Maldon salt and serve.