Tested and Perfected by Food and Wine
Grilled Lamb Salad with Cumin Vinaigrette
© Tina Rupp

Grilled Lamb Salad with Cumin Vinaigrette

Contributed by
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 45 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • FAST

For a pretty blend of colors as well as flavors, Sang Yoon lays slices of cumin-spiced lamb on a bed of jicama, carrot and lettuce. "Lamb seasoned with cumin is very Indian, as well as Sichuan and Yunnan. But no one in Asia would serve lamb on a sala...

  1. One 1-pound piece boneless leg of lamb, about 3 inches thick
  2. 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more for rubbing
  3. 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  4. Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  5. 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  6. 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
  7. 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  8. Freshly ground white pepper
  9. 4 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
  10. One 6-ounce piece of jicama, peeled and cut into matchsticks
  11. 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
  12. 1 medium seedless cucumber, peeled and cut into matchsticks
  13. 1/2 cup shredded basil, plus 4 sprigs
  14. 2 red jalapeños, seeded and sliced
  15. 4 cilantro sprigs
  1. Light a grill. Rub the lamb with oil, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the cumin and season with salt and black pepper. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the vinegar, honey, mustard and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cumin. Whisk in the 1/4 cup of oil and season with salt and white pepper.
  3. Grill the lamb over moderate heat, turning a few times, until charred and medium-rare, about 12 minutes. Transfer the lamb to a carving board; let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, toss the romaine with the jicama, carrot, cucumber, shredded basil and jalapeños. Add the dressing and toss well. Transfer to plates. Thinly slice the lamb and arrange the slices on the salad. Garnish with the cilantro and basil sprigs and serve.

Suggested Pairing

The ideal pairing for the luscious meat: a big Trappist ale like Chimay Blue.