Herb-Crusted Loin Of Lamb

Photo: flickr user TFDuesing

Ingredients

1 pkt Waitrose New Zealand lamb boneless loin, weighing fillet

1/2 Onion, finely chopped

2 Rashers smoked bacon, finely chopped

1 Clove garlic, chopped

15 ml Each of fresh basil and mint, chopped (1tbsp)

45 ml Soft white breadcrumbs, (3tbsp)

30 ml Parmesan, grated (2tbsp)

30 ml Butter, softened (2tbsp)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Trim the lamb fillets.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly onto the loin fillets.

Place the fillets on a baking tray in a preheated oven 200 C, 400 F, gas mark 6, for 12-15 minutes or until cooked. Slice into two pieces.

Serve on a bed of lightly sauteed courgettes, tossed in some freshly chopped basil and mint and seasoned with salt and black pepper.

As an alternative cooking suggestion, follow the recipe to the end of step 2 then cut each fillet in two and wrap each piece in a thin slice of ham and two sheets of filo pastry. Brush the parcels with melted butter and place in a preheated oven 200 C, 400 F, gas mark 6, for 20 minutes. Cut each parcel in two before serving.

NOTES : A deliciously quick way of cooking New Zealand loin of lamb, combining the flavours of basil, mint, garlic and bacon in the crust. Serve the lamb with sauteed courgettes and creamy mashed potato.