Pistachio and parsley-crusted lamb with quinoa salad

Author: Liz Macri - Recipe Writer & Editor

Photographer: Mark O'Meara

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A pistachio and parsley crust gives the lamb in our recipe an earthy flavour. Paired with a quinoa salad, it is the perfect meal for those looking for a healthy, gluten and dairy-free dinner.

Serves: 4

Time to make: 30 mins

Ingredients

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3 cloves garlic, quartered
1 ½ tablespoons zest of lemon
¾ cup shelled unsalted pistachios
½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 x 200g lamb backstraps (see tips)
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
125g cherry tomatoes, halved, or 2 tomatoes, diced
½ telegraph cucumber, sliced into ribbons
1 carrot, sliced into ribbons
2 radishes, thinly sliced
⅓ cup fresh mint
2 heads baby cos lettuce, torn, or salad of your choice

Instructions

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Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. In a food processor, place garlic, zest, pistachios and parsley and process until finely chopped.Place lamb on tray. Press pistachio mixture over top of lamb.
Bake lamb for 10–12 minutes, for medium, or until the lamb is cooked to your liking. Remove, cover loosely with foil and set aside for 2 minutes to rest. Slice.
Meanwhile, cook quinoa according to packet instructions.
In a large salad bowl, whisk oil and lemon juice. Add tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, radish, mint, lettuce and quinoa. Toss gently. Serve lamb with quinoa salad.

HFG tip

Lamb backstraps are a lean cut that can be purchased from supermarkets and butchers, and are sometimes called lamb striploin or sirloin.

Nutrition Info (per serve)

Calories 558cal

Kilojoules 2330kJ

Protein 45g

Total fat 27g

–Saturated fat 5g

Carbohydrates 30g

–Sugars 6g

Dietary fibre 10g

Sodium 140mg

Calcium 140mg

Iron 7.5mg

Note: This nutrition analysis is a guide only. Nutrition composition will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. See our guides on your optimal daily nutrition intake, and supermarket shopping.

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