Zatar-Rubbed Leg of Goat with Fresh Chickpeas, Spring Onion, and Sorrel
In this pure celebration of spring, Middle Eastern spices add warmth and depth to tender goat, while the season’s first tender offerings—fresh chickpeas, slender spring onions, tart sorrel—make a fabulous accompaniment. Letting the sautéed vegetables cool before adding the sorrel allows it to keep its vibrant color, and it also makes this relaxed, do-ahead party food. Prepare the side while the goat rests and be prepared to covet the leftovers. Fresh chickpeas look like abbreviated little fava beans in the pod, and, like favas, they require a two-step shelling process to get to the little green gems inside. If you can find them, it’s worth every minute of preparation. Fresh chickpeas are sweet and tender, with only a hint of the nuttiness that marks their flavor when dried. The spices can be found in Middle Eastern markets or online.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
Goat
Chickpeas
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2
To prepare the goat, combine the sumac, coriander, fennel, and Aleppo in a small bowl and rub into the goat leg, being sure to cover the entire surface of the meat with the spice rub. Roast the goat until the internal temperature reaches 130°F on a meat thermometer, about 1 hour. Remove the goat from the oven and allow to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
Step 3
To make the chickpeas, bring a pot of salted water to a rapid boil and prepare an ice-water bath.
Step 4
Remove the chickpeas from their outer shells. Add the chickpeas to the boiling water and blanch for 5 to 6 minutes, or until just tender and the outer skin is loose. Transfer immediately to the ice bath to cool. Drain. Carefully rub off their skins, trying to keep the chickpeas whole as you do. You should end up with a generous cup of chickpeas.
Step 5
Peel and trim the onions, then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Roughly chop the sorrel.
Step 6
Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook gently over medium-low heat until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt, then fold in the chickpeas and remove from the heat. Transfer the mixture to a bowl to cool before adding the sorrel. Check the seasoning. This dish is best served at room temperature.
