Southwestern Lamb Chops

Name: Southwestern Lamb Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup orange juice; 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt, optional; Dash pepper; 3/4 cup halved sliced sweet onion; 4 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/4 cup cold water; 1 cup fresh orange sections; 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro; 8 lamb loin chops (1 inch thick and 4 ounces each)

"This flavorful yet not too spicy sauce for tender lamb is our family's favorite," informs Margaret Pache of Mesa, Arizona. "It's tasty with any choice of grilled meat," she adds.

Ingredients

1 cup orange juice
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional
Dash pepper
3/4 cup halved sliced sweet onion
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
1 cup fresh orange sections
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
8 lamb loin chops (1 inch thick and 4 ounces each)

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, jalapeno, cumin, salt if desired and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture begins to simmer. Stir in onion.
Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; gradually add to the sauce. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from the heat. Stir in oranges and cilantro; keep warm.
Grill lamb chops, covered, over medium heat or broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 4-9 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°). Serve with orange sauce.

Editor's Note

Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

2 each: 281 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 83mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fruit.

Originally published as Southwestern Lamb Chops in Quick Cooking May/June 2000