Chickpeas/garbanzo beans make an excellent alternative to potatoes when mashed, especially when infused with garlic, herbs and the North African spice paste, harissa. Other canned pulses can be used in place of the chickpeas/garbanzo beans when making the mash: try cannellini or haricot beans and prepare them in the same way as the chickpeas/garbanzo beans. Sumac is a spice that is readily found in Middle Eastern food stores. The spiced lamb is delicious served simply with steamed vegetables such as green beans and broccoli.
SERVES 4 PREPARATION 15 minutes, plus marinating COOKING 10–12 minutes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp sumac
4 lean lamb steaks, about 150g/5½oz each
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp harissa
400g/14oz tin chickpeas/garbanzo beans in water, drained and rinsed
5 tbsp semi-skimmed milk
1 handful coriander/cilantro leaves, chopped
1 Mix together the olive oil, paprika, thyme, sumac and salt and pepper in a large shallow dish. Add the lamb and turn to coat the meat in the marinade, then set aside to marinate for 1 hour.
2 Heat a griddle pan until very hot. Remove the lamb from the marinade and griddle for 6–8 minutes or until cooked to taste, turning halfway through cooking and brushing with the remaining marinade.
3 Meanwhile, to make the chickpea mash, heat the oil in a saucepan and gently fry the garlic for 1 minute, then add the harissa and chickpeas/garbanzo beans and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the milk to warm through, then transfer everything to a blender or food processor. Purée until smooth and season to taste, then stir in three-quarters of the coriander/cilantro.
4 Divide the chickpea mash between 4 plates and top with the lamb. Scatter with the reserved coriander/cilantro before serving.
The chickpea mash has a lower GI and GL level than mashed potato, meaning that it does not cause such large fluctuations in blood-sugar levels.
Food Facts per Portion
Calories 494kcal • Total Carbs 12.4g • total sugar 1.4g • added sugar 0g
The spicy marinade can be varied according to personal preference. For a more Mediterranean feel, try a combination of olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Alternatively, try a combination of olive oil and 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp mild chilli powder and a good squeeze of lemon juice.