Sizzling Valentine Steaks in a Lavender and Balsamic Marinade
Serves: 6 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 16 minutes
Fragrant special summer dish. Lamb valentine steaks, cutlets or chops marinaded with lavender and served with asparagus and sugar snap salad.
Ingredients
- 6 lean lamb valentine steaks, cutlets or chops
- 30ml/2tbsp lavender flowers and seed heads (reserve the lavender stalks)
- 30ml/2tbsp olive oil
- 15ml/1tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 10ml/2tsp cider vinegar
- Pinch dark brown sugar
- 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 2 small shallots, peeled and sliced
- Salt and freshly milled black pepper
- Salt and freshly milled black pepper
- 225g/8oz baby asparagus tips, trimmed and lightly cooked
- 300g/10oz sugar snap peas or fresh broad beans, shelled and lightly cooked
- 3 fresh mint sprigs, finely chopped
- 10ml/2tsp lemon juice
- 10ml/2tsp lemon juice
- 60ml/4tbsp hazelnut oil
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed, optional
Method
- Prepare the marinade ingredients; place the lavender flowers, seed heads and olive oil in a mortar. Crush lightly with a pestle to release the essential oils.
- Place the lamb in a shallow bowl. Add the lavender mixture and the remaining marinade ingredients to coat the lamb. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours, or overnight.
- To make the salad dressing, mix all the ingredients together and chill until required.
- Cook on a prepared barbecue or preheated grill for 12-16 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve the steaks with the salad and the dressing.
Method
- Prepare the marinade ingredients; place the lavender flowers, seed heads and olive oil in a mortar. Crush lightly with a pestle to release the essential oils.
- Place the lamb in a shallow bowl. Add the lavender mixture and the remaining marinade ingredients to coat the lamb. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours, or overnight.
- To make the salad dressing, mix all the ingredients together and chill until required.
- Cook on a prepared barbecue or preheated grill for 12-16 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve the steaks with the salad and the dressing.
