Lamb Chops with Mint Relish

I’ve never really been a fan of lamb, but these lamb chops with the mint relish has great flavor. It is vital for the success of the lamb to cook it with the 2-step approach. These lamb chops are best cooked to medium-rare, but if you prefer a different cook, adjust accordingly (see temperature guidelines at end of recipe). I made this recipe with a side of fingerling potatoes. Enjoy!

Serves: 2 | Serving Size: 10 oz lamb

Ingredients:

• Mint Relish:
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • salt and pepper
• Lamb:
  • 20oz lamb chops, 1 1/2inch thick, trimmed
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Directions:

1. For the Mint Relish: combine all ingredients in bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let relish sit at room temperature while preparing lamb.
2. For the Lamb:
   1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Pat chops dry with paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
   2. Heat oil in 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Brown chops well on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer skillet to oven and roast chops until meat registers 120 to 125 degrees, about 6 to 8 minutes.
   3. Using potholders remove skillet from oven. Transfer chops to plate, tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve chops with relish.

• Meat temperatures:
  • Rare: 115 – 120 degrees
  • Medium-Rare: 120-125 degrees
  • Medium: 130-135 degrees
  • Medium-Well: 140-145 degrees
  • Well-Done: 150-155 degrees

Nutrition Information:
Per serving: Calories: 468; Total Fat: 22g;  Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 161mg; Total Carbohydrates: 8; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugars: 6g; Protein: 60g
Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 890mg; Vitamin A: 3%; Vitamin C: 5%; Calcium: 13%; Iron: 32%

Adopted from: America’s Test Kitchen (2014). “Pan-Roasted Lamb Chops with Mint Relish.” The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook. Boston: America’s Test Kitchen, 2014. 162. Print.