🛒 Ingredients
For the Lamb Chops:
- 🐑 8 lamb chops, frenched (about 2 lbs total)
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🌶️ 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 🥄 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Crust:
- 🌰 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 🍞 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 🌿 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 🧂 A pinch of salt
For the Glaze:
- 🍇 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses (or 1/3 cup pomegranate juice reduced by half)
- 🍯 1 tbsp honey
- 🍋 1 tsp lemon juice
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Lamb Chops
- Season the Lamb:
- Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel. Rub them evenly with salt, pepper, minced garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. Let them marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Prepare the Crust
- Make the Crust Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix the chopped pistachios, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
Sear and Coat the Lamb
- Sear the Chops:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb chops for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Apply the Crust:
- Place the seared lamb chops on the prepared baking sheet. Press the pistachio mixture onto the top of each chop to create a crust.
Bake and Glaze
- Bake the Lamb:
- Bake the lamb chops for 8–12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness (8 minutes for medium-rare).
- Make the Glaze:
- While the lamb bakes, combine the pomegranate molasses, honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Glaze the Chops:
- Brush the glaze over the lamb chops during the last 2 minutes of baking.
Serve and Garnish
- Rest the Lamb:
- Remove the lamb chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Drizzle additional glaze over the lamb and garnish with fresh pomegranate arils and chopped pistachios for an elegant presentation.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🧊 Make Ahead: Prepare the crust mixture and glaze in advance to save time.
- 🌿 Herbaceous Twist: Add thyme or mint to the crust for extra flavor.
- 🌶️ Spicy Option: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the glaze for a hint of heat.
- 🥩 Alternative Protein: Use the same method for pork chops or chicken thighs.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Pair these lamb chops with roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a vibrant couscous salad. For drinks, serve with red wine like a Pinot Noir or Malbec for a luxurious pairing.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Pomegranate and Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Chops combine the tender richness of lamb with a nutty crust and tangy-sweet glaze. This dish is a visual and culinary showstopper, perfect for holiday dinners or special celebrations.
