Marinating is a wonderful way to tenderize leg of lamb and other less expensive (and tougher) cuts of meat before grilling or broiling. Grilled lemons and lemon orzo complement the robust lamb.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　2 tablespoons olive oil

　　1 tablespoon coriander seeds, crushed

　　1 tablespoon fennel seeds, crushed

　　1 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes

　　Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

　　1 1/2 pounds butterflied leg of lamb

　　Vegetable oil, for grill

　　2 lemons, quartered

　　

Lemon Orzo

1 lemon

　　Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

　　1 cup orzo

　　1 tablespoon olive oil

　　2 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

　　(serves 4)

　　

Step 1

In a shallow dish, combine olive oil, coriander and fennel seeds, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add lamb, and turn to coat. Marinate at room temperature 30 minutes (or refrigerate, covered tightly, up to overnight and bring to room temperature before grilling).

　　

Step 2

Heat grill to medium-low (see page 367 for instructions); lightly oil grates. Place lamb on grill. Cover, and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part registers 130°F for medium-rare, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer lamb to a plate, and cover loosely with aluminum foil; let rest 5 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Meanwhile, grill lemon wedges until cut sides are marked, about 1 minute per side. Thinly slice lamb, and serve with grilled lemon wedges.

　　

Lemon Orzo

Step 4

Use a vegetable peeler to remove peel from half the lemon in wide strips (leaving the bitter white pith behind). Thinly slice peel with a sharp knife. Halve lemon, and squeeze to extract 2 tablespoons juice.

　　

Step 5

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil; add a generous amount of salt. Add orzo and lemon peel. Cook until orzo is al dente according to package instructions; drain, and return to pan.

　　

Step 6

Add lemon juice, oil, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper; toss to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature.

　　Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by the Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine’s editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.