Lamb Shanks with Mousseline Potatoes as seen on George Hirsch Lifestyle

Lá Fhéile Pádraig That's Gaelic for Saint Patrick's Day or St. Paddy's. It's one of those days of the year where we all wear green, feel a wee bit Irish and spread good cheer. In honor of next week's holiday; Pionta Guinness, le do thoil. Sláinte! That's, a pint of Guinness please and cheers!

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Pionta Guinness, le do thoil. Sláinte!

Lamb Shanks with Mousseline Potatoes as seen on George Hirsch Lifestyle

Makes four servings 

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

4 whole lamb shanks

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup carrots, chopped

1/4 cup onion, chopped

1/4 cup peas, fresh or frozen

1/4 cup celery, chopped

10 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced

1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup tomato sauce

2 cups chicken broth

1 Tablespoon rosemary

1 teaspoon thyme

Preheat large saucepan. Add olive oil and brown meat on all sides.  Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery and cook until light brown.  

Add vinegar and reduce for two minutes.  Add tomato sauce, broth, rosemary and thyme.  Cover and cook meat for two hours at a gentle simmer.  

The lamb shanks are fully cooked when the meat becomes flaky and shrinks away from the bone. Add peas to the lamb shanks and vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes longer.  

Serve the cooked Lamb Shanks with sauce and vegetables on top of hot, steamy Mousseline Potatoes.

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Know Your Fire Fridays: Carne Asada

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Carne asada is more than just sliced grilled steak, it’s the equivalent to describing the social BBQ event. So when preparing a Carne Asada, you are really creating a social experience.

The Spanish name Carne Asada translates to roasted beef, meaning grilled marinated beef. Mexico is its origin, which lucky for us, this dish spread to America's bordering states Arizona, California and Texas. I've had some of the best carne asada while in San Antonio. Keep in mind, it's the marinade that really makes the difference here. 

The accompaniments are just as important as the beef itself. It must include a good pico de gallo (salsa) and naturally ripened avocados (when available); which will set it apart from just ordinary grilled steak. 

Serving Suggestions:

To improve on the juicy charred steak presentation, wrap in freshly made, warmed tortillas from the griddle.

The grilled sliced steak can be served simply as the main ingredient with fresh lemon or lime and chopped cilantro.

Other accompaniments; grilled sweet onions, quesso, and frijoles charros (cowboy beans).  

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Carne Asada 

recipe by Chef George Hirsch | Makes 10-12 servings

Adapted from Adventures in Grilling with George Hirsch

3 pounds flank or skirt steak, trimmed 

1 package corn or flour tortillas, 4-5 inch size

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup parsley, washed, dried and chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, washed, dried and chopped

juice from 3 fresh limes, about 6 Tablespoons

1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar

4 cloves garlic, chopped

2 fresh jalapenos, seeded and chopped

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted

pinch of sea salt 

Freshly ground black pepper

1 ounce of tequila

In a small food processor mix parsley, cilantro, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, jalapenos, chili powder, cumin seeds, salt, fresh ground pepper, and olive oil just until blended.  Add tequila and pour marinade over steak. Allow to marinate for at least 1 - 4 hours. 

Light a grill on high or use an iron grill pan on the stovetop. 

Grill until the meat is charred on the outside and rare within, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a carving board and let rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the steak across the grain. Warm tortillas on a griddle or pan, and serve with desired toppings and pico de gallo.

For Taco Toppings:

Use fresh chopped sweet onion, ripe avocados, tomatoes and queso fresco. 

Chutney

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I’m up to my waist in tomatoes. Today's inspiration. Opting for a quick appetizer to serve with some cool rosé. 

Tomato chutney is a South Indian style condiment that goes well with savory foods such as roasted pork, ham, turkey or chicken. But it is also a spicy way to top Neufchâtel (lower in fat than cream cheese) or farmers cheese served with toasted naan flat bread as a hors d’ oeuvre. 

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Tomato Chutney

Makes about 1 cup 

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle

1 pound ripe roma tomatoes, chop & puree in food mill to remove skin and seeds

2 Tablespoons fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped

1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 sweet onion, chopped fine

2 Tablespoons golden raisins, plumped

1/4 teaspoon each: chili powder, paprika

3/4 teaspoon curry paste such as Bhuna or Pataks 

Pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg

1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 

Puree tomatoes, ginger and garlic in a food processor or blender.

Place tomato mixture, sugar, vinegar, onions, and golden raisins in a large saucepan. Season with chili powder, paprika, curry paste, cinnamon and nutmeg. Simmer over medium heat until thick. Cool. Add cilantro. Refrigerate until ready to use; keeps about one week. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Read Guide for any type of canning.