World Gourmet Summit 2003
Culinary Masterclasses
 
The Cuisine of
Marc Francois Bonard
Le Cordon Bleu, Tokyo, Japan
 
Lamb Chops coated in Dried Fruit and Nuts,
California Raisin Couscous, Cumin Flavoured Jus

  Serves 3
  Ingredients
   
1
2 tbsp

50g
50g
50g
50g

 rack of lamb, chopped
oil
salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
California raisins
almonds, chopped
hazelnuts, chopped
dried apricots
   



2 tbsp
2
50ml
300ml
5g

 Lamb jus :
lamb trimmings
oil
shallots, finely chopped
white wine
water or veal stock
cumin seeds
   

100g
200ml
1 sprig
2tbsp

½
½
½ bunch
50g

 Couscous :
couscous grains (medium)
water
thyme
olive oil
salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
red bell pepper, brunoise
green bell pepper, brunoise
mint leaves, shredded
California raisins
   

½ tbsp
40m
300ml
 Vinaigrette :
mustard
sherry vinegar
peanut or sunflower oil
salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
   
   

 Method

For the lamb jus: Heat oil in a pan, brown trimmings, add shallots and cook until lightly coloured. Deglaze with white wine, add water or veal stock and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Skim frequently. Remove from heat and strain. Toast cumin seeds in a pan, then add them to the lamb jus and leave to infuse 5 minutes. Strain jus, adjust seasoning and keep warm.

For the vinaigrette: Mix mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk in oil. Adjust seasoning, reserve.

For the lamb chops: Heat oil in a pan, add chops and brown on both sides, keeping the center pink. Season and remove from the pan, then drain and cool. Combine California raisins, almonds, hazelnuts and dried apricots, then spread a thin layer onto one side of each chop. Transfer to a baking sheet and reserve.

For the couscous: Heat water with a sprig of thyme, leaving it to infuse for 5 minutes before returning it to a boil. Add salt and pour water over couscous. Cover with plastic film and leave to steam. Just before serving add remaining ingredients and season with vinaigrette.

Serving

Heat fruit and nut coated chops in an oven. Place a timbale mould in the center of a plate, fill with couscous, then remove ring. Arrange two chops as desired on top of couscous. Drizzle a ring of lamb jus around the couscous.