Mint-Pesto Lamb Chops Recipe

Mint-Pesto Lamb Chops Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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I adore the taste and richness of lamb. But it takes bold flavors to complement the lamb, and this recipe definitely does that. The simple mint-cilantro pesto marries well with the lamb flavor, while the pomegranate-balsamic reduction adds the perfect balance to finish off the dish. This easy-to-prepare entree is delicious and gourmet, and is sure to impress.—Melanie Stevenson, Reading, Pennsylvania

This recipe is:

Diabetic Friendly

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Mint-Pesto Lamb Chops Recipe

Prep: 40 min. Cook: 20 min.

Yield: 8 Servings

40 20 60

Ingredients

2 cups pomegranate juice
1 cup balsamic vinegar
PESTO:
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
8 garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
LAMB:
8 double-cut lamb rib chops (2 inches thick and 4 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring pomegranate juice and vinegar to a boil over medium heat; cook until reduced to 1/2 cup.
Meanwhile, for pesto, place the mint, cilantro, garlic, salt and pepper in a small food processor; cover and pulse until chopped. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream.
Coat chops with pesto. In a large ovenproof skillet, brown lamb in oil on all sides.
Bake, uncovered, at 450° oven for 15-20 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a meat thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°). Drizzle with pomegranate sauce. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Facts 2 lamb chops with 1 tablespoon sauce equals 238 calories, 13 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 45 mg cholesterol, 352 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 15 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.

Originally published as Mint-Pesto Lamb Chops in The Taste of Home Cookbook , p37