Rosemary-Garlic Lamb Chops with Pimentón and Mint

(1)

Chef Nancy Silverton adores the grilled, herb-flecked lamb chops scottadito ("burnt fingers"). Here, she adds a kick to the lamb by garnishing it with smoky pimentón de la Vera and little mint leaves. 

Rosemary-Garlic Lamb Chops with Pimenton and Mint
Photo: © John Kernick
Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 25 mins
Yield:
4
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rosemary leaves

  • 8 garlic cloves

  • Kosher salt

  • Pepper

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

  • 12 baby lamb chops (about 3 ounces each)

  • 1/4 cup small mint leaves, for garnish

  • Large pinch of pimentón de la Vera, for garnish

Directions

  1. In a blender, pulse the rosemary and garlic cloves with a pinch each of salt and pepper until coarsely chopped. With the machine on, gradually add the 1/2 cup of olive oil until the rosemary and garlic are finely chopped. Scrape the mixture into a large baking dish and add the lamb chops. Turn the chops so they are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

  2. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat, turning once, until nicely charred outside and medium-rare within, about 6 minutes. Transfer the lamb to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with the mint leaves and pimentón, top with a drizzle of olive oil and serve immediately.

Suggested Pairing

Dense, powerful Sagrantino can be quite tannic when young, but with a little age, it pairs very well with gamey lamb.

Originally appeared: January 2015

Related Articles