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Grilled Lamb Rib Chops - Pomegranate Molasses and Cinnamon with Mint

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  • Author: Cosette's Kitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 16 lamb rib chops 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Lebanese

Description

These wonderful grilled lamb rib chops, often called lamb lollipops are light, delicious, have a hint of sweetness and really elevate any dinner. Be sure to check out the American Lamb Board page for more recipes and tips on cooking and sourcing American lamb.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Lamb Marinade

  • 16 American lamb rib chops, 3/4" to 1" thick
  • 25 sprigs of fresh mint (or 2 Tablespoons dried mint)
  • 12 cloves fresh garlic
  • 3 Tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 3 Tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or allspice)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt* (half if using table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Yogurt Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup whole milk yogurt (can use labneh or Greek)
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt* (half if using table salt) adjust to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon cold water, as needed to thin

Peaches

  • 2 large peaches, cut into sections
  • drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Lamb Marinade

  1. Begin by preparing your lamb rib chops - ask a butcher to clean/French your lamb and divide into single lamb chops. If they are cut into double chops, simply cut in half to create your single chop.
  2. Remove the excess layer of fat at the top of your chop using a sharp knife. You can reserve this fat to use in later cooking or to grease your flat top grill.
  3. Prepare marinade by adding the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor or blender:
    25 sprigs of fresh mint, 12 cloves fresh garlic, 3 Tablespoons pomegranate molasses, 3 Tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
  4. Pour your marinade over your lamb ribs and rub into both sides. Cover and place in fridge for 4-24 hours.

Yogurt Mint Sauce

  1. Crush with mortar or minced your garlic finely.
    4 cloves garlic
  2. Add in your yogurt, olive oil, mint and salt
    1/2 cup yogurt, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried mint, 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  3. If your mixture is too thick, add in 1 Tablespoon of cold water and mix.
  4. Adjust salt to your taste.
  5. Spoon over cooked ribs.

Cooking Lamb

  1. Once ready to cook your lamb, remove from fridge and allow to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes before cooking.
  2. Heat your grill to high heat, ensure your grates or flat top area are clean and free from any debris. Grease your grill grates or flat top with a bit of neutral oil; canola, vegetable, avocado. If you have a flat top grill, you can also use some of your reserved lamb fat allow it to render to create an oiled surface.
  3. Once grill is heated,  place your lamb rib chops and allow to cook for about 2 minutes until browned and crust has formed. 
  4. Flip and cook the 2nd side for another minute.
  5. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes. 
  6. While your lamb is resting, place your peach slices on hot grill and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side.
  7. Enjoy with yogurt mint sauce + grilled peaches.

Notes

  • If using table salt or anything besides kosher salt, half your salt amount and always adjust to your taste.
  • These are often called lamb lollipops because you can absolutely grab one and eat right off the bone like a lollipop! Perfect as an appetizer.
  • USDA recommends lamb reach an internal temperature of 145F with a 3 minute rest.