Boneless top round roast is a cut taken from the flavorful leg. Here, we sliced it across the grain into steaks that are grilled and served with a Mediterranean-inspired combination of artichoke hearts, olives, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, smashed
1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 (3-by 1-inch) strips orange zest
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 (14-to 15-ounces) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 (14-ounces) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
1 (2-pounds) boneless top round lamb roast
Equipment: a large (2-burner) grill pan
Directions
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Cook garlic, bay leaf, fennel seeds, and zest, stirring, until fennel seeds are golden, about 1 minute. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, about 3 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium, then add tomatoes with their juice, artichokes, and olives and cook, covered, until vegetables are tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Discard bay leaf and zest.
Meanwhile, heat grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
Cut lamb across the grain into 4 (1-inch-thick) steaks. Brush both sides of steaks with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper (total).
Grill lamb, turning once, about 10 minutes total for medium-rare.
Spoon tomato mixture onto plates and top with lamb.
