Spring Lamb with Grilled Baby Artichokes – Mr. Bean

The delicate flavor of spring lamb pairs perfectly with lightly earthy, spring Mediterranean vegetables. I added flageolet beans to round off the salad with a little nutty flavor. As it can be a challenge to find spring lamb, get on over to your best butcher for his help with sourcing.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 4
Ingredients
Beans
Lamb
Tapenade
Salad
Preparation
Beans
Step 1
To make the beans, soak the dried beans in water to cover for 4 hours. Drain.
Step 2
In a large saucepan, combine 8 cups water with the beans, the lemon half, garlic, thyme, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 45 to 50 minutes, or until al dente.
Lamb
Step 3
To prepare the lamb, combine the olive oil, rosemary, and garlic in a shallow dish; add the lamb tenderloins, and marinate for 3 to 6 hours, depending on how much time you have and how much flavor you want the meat to absorb.
Tapenade
Step 4
To make the beans, soak the dried beans in water to cover for 4 hours. Drain.
Salad
Step 5
To make the salad, over an open flame, roast the bell pepper until all sides are properly charred, but not completely burnt.
Step 6
Place the pepper in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 5 minutes. (This will steam the pepper, making it easier to remove the skin.) Remove the skin and seeds from the pepper,then julienne and set aside.
Step 7
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Peel off the outer artichoke leaves until you reach a layer where they are almost yellow. Blanch the artichokes for 7 minutes, then let them cool down a bit before cutting each one in half. Coat them with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 8
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Remove the lamb from the marinade, removing any pieces of garlic or rosemary because they will burn on the grill. Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Grill the lamb for 4 to 5 minutes, or until medium-rare,turning them a few times. Grill the artichokes at the same time, turning them a few times, until you get grill marks on all sides, about 3 minutes. Let the lamb rest for 2 to 3 minutes, then slice. Place the beans, bell pepper slices, frisée, and artichokes in a bowl with the tapenade. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper. Place the sliced lamb on top and serve.