Fried lamb chops coated in breadcrumbs after a gentle simmer and a tangy spiced vinegar marinade. They are crisp outside, juicy within, and savoury with a mild chilli tang.
Turmeric for the pot
1.5 gAdded to the pan with the lamb, salt and water (step 2)
Blend 36 g garlic to a paste. Set aside 1 tbsp for the marinade and put the rest in a heavy saucepan. Blitz 16 g ginger separately and add it to the pan.
Add 1200–1500 g lamb chops, the turmeric for the pot, 0.3 g salt and 300 ml water. Raise to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and cook gently for 18–20 minutes.
For the marinade, combine the marinade spices, 60 g malt vinegar, salt to taste, 3 tbsp water and the reserved garlic paste in a bowl. Set aside.
Drain the chops and turn them through the marinade while still warm.
Heat a frying pan over medium heat with oil for frying to a depth of 1 cm. Coat the chops in 90 g plain flour, then 100 g beaten egg, then 90 g white breadcrumb. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Keep the cooked chops warm.
Use 15% to 20% of the weight (about 1 g for every 5 to 6 g fresh cloves). Whisk into sauces; gives a savoury, toasted garlic flavour without raw pungency.
Use 20% to 25% of the weight (1 g for every 4 to 5 g fresh). Stir into the gravy; adds peppery heat and warmth, though it misses the crisp, zesty kick of raw root.
Steep a tiny pinch (0.1 g per 2 g turmeric) in 2 tbsp warm water; use to match the rich golden hue. Contributes an aristocratic, honeyed floral flavour rather than earthy bitterness.
For binding, use about 10 g chickpea flour mixed with 20 ml water per egg and rest for 10 minutes. Denser and nuttier; not suitable for baking or coating in the same way.
Use 50% of the weight and stir in near the end of cooking. Adds warmth and depth since it contains ground coriander, but introduces stronger spices like clove and cinnamon.