Australia Day BBQ Lamb with Macadamia and Semi Dried Tomato Peso

Australia Day BBQ Lamb with Macadamia and Semi Dried Tomato Peso

Ingredients
300g semi dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cups chopped raw macadamias
2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
1-2 tablespoons of the semi dried tomato oil
8-12 trimmed lamb cutlets

Method

1. Place 300g semi dried tomatoes (reserve the marinating oil) in a small food processor along with 2 tablespoons olive oil and process until chopped but not quite smooth. Remove from the food processor and transfer to a bowl. Stir through 1 cups chopped raw macadamias and 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary, along with 1-2 tablespoons of the semi dried tomato oil to make a moist, pesto like consistency. Cover and set aside.

2. Heat a hot plate on barbeque over medium high heat. Brush 8-12 trimmed lamb cutlets with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook in batches for 3-4 minutes each side or until done to your liking, covering the cooked cutlets in foil to keep warm as you cook the remaining ones.

3. Serve the cutlets with a large spoonful of macadamia pesto and salad.

Variation:

This macadamia pesto is also ideal for serving as a dip with vegetables such as carrots, capsicum and green beans.

JOIN AUSTRALIA'S TOP CHEFS AND SHOW YOUR TRUE BLUE COLOURS WITH AUSTRALIAN MACADAMIAS

Celebrate Australia Day with a truly Australian Icon

Australian macadamia growers are urging Aussies to join Australia's best chefs in putting Australian macadamias on the menu when celebrating with family and friends on Australia Day.

Chefs nationwide are showing their patriotic spirit by featuring macadamias on their menu in recipes this Australia Day.

"From the famous Aussie BBQ, to family picnics and evening drinks with friends, Australians are known for their entertaining and Australia Day is no exception. Of course, success is determined by one thing the food," Burnett, said.

"We're asking all Aussies this Australia Day to put one hand on their heart and the other into a bowl of delicious Australian macadamias to show their patriotic spirit by enjoying a handful of macadamias and supporting Australian macadamia growers."

"Australian macadamias' delicate flavour and world famous 'smooth crunch' make these nuts the perfect inclusion on your Australia Day menu," says Burnett.

Burnett says "Australian macadamias are a contemporary alternative to standard snacks such as dips and chips. They are a delicious accompaniment to a plate of blue cheese, brie and apricots and terrific for BBQs try BBQ lamb with macadamia pesto crust (recipe attached)."

Australian chefs are pledging their allegiance to macadamias on Australia Day with Australia's top restaurants featuring macadamias on their menu. Restaurants involved in the campaign with their signature macadamia dish include:

Flying Fish (Sydney) - Devilled macadamias - part of a delicious Australia Day set menu

Quayside Brassiere (Sydney) - Salad of vine ripened tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, dressed baby cos lettuce with aged parmesan, crusted macadamia nuts and apple balsamic

Circa, The Prince (Melbourne) - Salad of cherries, spinach and white peach, goat's curd and macadamias

Ill Centro (Brisbane) - Grilled barramundi with fork-crushed pontiac potato, asparagus and roasted macadamia nut salsa

"If you're out and about this Australia Day, celebrate Australian macadamias by supporting restaurants featuring macadamias on their menu," adds Burnett. "You can see how Australia's top chefs use this little Aussie gem in recipes that will make your mouth water."

"These bite-sized beauties are not only deliciously moorish but jam-packed with goodness. Macadamias are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as B group vitamins, iron, copper, magnesium and manganese and are low in sodium," he adds.

Australian macadamias are available in supermarkets, green grocers and fine food stores nationally. Make sure you look for Australian Macadamias which should be labeled Australian Produce or Grown in Australia. For recipes log onto www.macadamias.org.