Fennel-rubbed lamb cutlets with eggplant and tomato braise

Instructions

1. Combine fennel seeds, rind and half the oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Rub fennel mixture over lamb. Place on a plate. Cover and place in fridge for 30 minutes.
2. Lightly spray a large non-stick frying pan with oil and heat over medium-high heat. Cook lamb, in batches, for 2–3 minutes each side or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate. Cover lamb with foil and set aside to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in same cleaned pan over medium-high heat. Cook onion, stirring, for 3–4 minutes or until softened. Add garlic and eggplant and cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. Add tomatoes, pasta sauce and olives and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender and sauce has thickened. Stir in chopped basil. Serve lamb with eggplant and tomato braise, sprinkled with extra basil.