Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East! These Seeded Lamb Chops with Tamarind are not just a meal, but a sensory experience that combines the rich, tender meat of lamb with the tangy complexity of tamarind and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food adventurer, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients and techniques.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Lamb chops
- Tamarind paste
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Sesame seeds
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: lamb chops, tamarind paste, minced garlic, olive oil, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Place the lamb chops in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated on all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chops marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
- While the lamb is marinating, preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the lamb chops from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Reserve the leftover marinade for later use.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over both sides of each lamb chop, pressing them in gently to adhere.
- Place the lamb chops on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing for a nice sear.
- Flip the lamb chops and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your lamb more well done.
- While the lamb chops are grilling, you can use the reserved marinade. In a small saucepan, heat it over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Once the lamb chops are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the lamb chops warm, drizzled with the heated tamarind marinade, and garnished with additional sesame seeds if desired.
- Pair with your choice of side dishes, such as couscous, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Allow at least 15 minutes of marination time, but for even more intense flavor, you can marinate the lamb chops up to 4 hours in advance in the refrigerator.
- Temperature Matters: Let the lamb chops come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and a perfect sear.
- Sesame Seed Trick: Press the sesame seeds gently into the meat to help them adhere better during grilling.
- Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer for precision - 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let the meat rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Marinade Safety: Boil the reserved marinade thoroughly to eliminate any raw meat bacteria before using as a sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
