Hey, it's Memorial Day, so I did some grillin'. Cook-outs can be a minefield of allergens, what with the potato salads and buns and condiments and all (think soy, eggs, wheat, sugar, vinegar, corn, you name it). Here are some Mediterranean inspired cook-out friendly recipes that definitely won't leave your friends and family running to the convenience store for hot dog buns.
Chipotle Grilled Leg of Lamb
1 boneless leg of lamb
2 tablespoons chipotle chile powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Prepare gas grill by greasing the rack and heating it to high heat.
Most legs of lamb will come butterflied (cut up so it lays fairly flat on the grill). If not, see this handy web tutorial for how to do it.
Mix spices together in a bowl. This makes your spice rub. Dry off the lamb and rub it with the spices on all sides. For rare or medium rare meat (that's how I like it), grill leg on high for 10-15 minutes on each side. For more well-done meat, lower heat and grill 15-25 minutes on each side.
Grilled Yams
3 pounds yams, sliced about 1/4" thick (I sliced mine length-wise, but cutting them in round cross-wise pieces works, too)
non-stick cooking spray, or olive oil
seasoning--just salt is fine, but I used the following:
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chipotle powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Mix spices and salt together. Spray or brush yams with cooking spray or olive oil, then sprinkle with mixed spices. Grill about 10-12 minutes per side. Be careful not to let them fall through the grill! :)
Chickpea & Roasted Red Pepper Salad
1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice or red wine or sherry vinegar
2 garlic clove(s), mincd
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups cooked chickpeas, rinse if canned
2 roasted red peppers
1/4 c. parsley, chopped
3 green onions, sliced
3 tbsp capers
4 slices bacon, crumbled
Whisk together oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic to make dressing. Combine chickpeas, peppers, parsley, green onions, capers, and bacon in a medium bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
