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Fancy Pomegranate Lamb Chops Recipe

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This Fancy Pomegranate Lamb Chops recipe features tender organic lamb rib chops marinated and seared to perfection with a flavorful blend of garlic, thyme, and spices, then oven-finished and topped with a luscious homemade pomegranate reduction sauce. The dish combines savory and tangy flavors with a beautiful presentation, ideal for a special dinner or celebration.

Ingredients

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Lamb Chops

  • 2 lbs. organic lamb rib chops (cut from a rack of French lamb ribs)
  • 6 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 2 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup premium pomegranate juice
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Sauce

  • 1 cup premium pomegranate juice
  • 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 3 Tbsps warm water

Instructions

  1. Prep the Lamb Chops: After cutting the rack of lamb into individual chop-sized pieces, pat the chops dry on both sides using paper towels. Generously season all sides with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley to ensure maximum flavor.
  2. Preheat and Sear: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a 10-inch deep cast iron skillet or an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat until very hot, then add the extra virgin olive oil to coat the bottom evenly. Place the seasoned lamb chops into the skillet and sear on the first side for 2 to 4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Use tongs to carefully flip the chops and sear the other side for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add Aromatics and Pomegranate Juice: Reduce heat to medium. Place crushed garlic cloves, fresh thyme sprigs, and ½ cup of pomegranate juice around and on top of the lamb chops in the skillet. This will infuse the chops with fragrant flavors and begin the braising effect.
  4. Oven Finish the Lamb: Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the lamb to char slightly and cook through to your preferred internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: Rare (125-130°F), Medium Rare (130-135°F), Medium (140-145°F), Medium Well (155-160°F), Well Done (160-165°F).
  5. Prepare the Pomegranate Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add 1 cup of pomegranate juice and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Mix the cornstarch with warm water to create a slurry, then stir this into the sauce while continuously stirring. After about one minute, the sauce will thicken beautifully. Remove from heat.
  6. Finish with Sauce: Spoon the thickened pomegranate sauce over the lamb chops in the skillet. Return the skillet to the oven and bake the chops for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors and lightly bake the sauce on top. For an extra touch, you may broil the chops for 2 to 3 minutes—but watch closely to prevent burning.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the lamb chops from the oven and transfer them to a cutting board. Let them rest uncovered for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat. Serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato salad, fresh salad, basmati or brown rice, or mac and cheese. Enjoy your elegant meal!

Notes

  • Check the internal temperature of lamb chops to ensure desired doneness; resting after cooking helps retain juices.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron to seamlessly transition from stovetop searing to oven roasting.
  • To thicken the sauce, cornstarch slurry is recommended but flour, arrowroot, or tapioca flour can be substituted.
  • Broiling at the end can add a nice caramelized finish, watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and used as a glaze or dip for other meats.

Keywords: lamb chops, pomegranate sauce, seared lamb, oven-finished lamb, Mediterranean lamb recipes, garlic lamb chops, thyme lamb, elegant dinner ideas

Find it online: https://kochenmitviktoria.com/fancy-pomegranate-lamb-chops-recipe/