- 1 1/2 cups plain whole-milk yogurt
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 3 1 1/2-pound racks of lamb, fat trimmed, cut into individual chops
- 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large shallots, peeled, thinly sliced
- 2 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced
- 3/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 large turnips, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large carrots, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large rutabagas, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Red Bell Pepper Sauce
- Whisk first 6 ingredients in medium bowl. Place chops on large rimmed baking sheet. Pour marinade over, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
- Melt butter with oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, leeks, saffron, and turmeric; sauté 5 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups water, turnips, carrots, and rutabagas. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, prepare barbecue (medium heat). Brush grill with oil. Remove lamb from marinade, scraping off some of excess marinade. Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper. Grill to desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Divide grilled lamb chops among 6 plates. Serve with saffron vegetables and Red Bell Pepper Sauce.