Description
Delight in the elegance of these Fancy Pomegranate Lamb Chops, featuring perfectly seared organic lamb rib chops infused with garlic, thyme, and a rich, tangy pomegranate sauce. This recipe balances savory spices with a luscious fruity glaze, creating a sophisticated dish ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Pomegranate Sauce
- 1 cup pomegranate juice, premium
- 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 Tbsps warm water
Instructions
- Prep the Lamb Chops: After cutting the rack of lamb into chop-sized pieces, pat the lamb chops dry on both sides with paper towels. Generously season with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley on all sides.
- Sear the Lamb Chops: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Heat a 10-inch deep cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil to coat the bottom. When hot, add lamb chops and sear for 2-4 minutes until a brown crust forms, then flip and sear the other side for 2-4 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Pomegranate Juice: Reduce heat to medium, then add garlic cloves, pomegranate juice (½ cup), and thyme sprigs around and on top of the lamb chops in the skillet.
- Bake the Lamb Chops: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until chops are charred and cooked to your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check: Rare (125-130°F), Medium Rare (130-135°F), Medium (140-145°F), Medium Well (155-160°F), Well Done (160-165°F).
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add 1 cup pomegranate juice and bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for 1-2 minutes. Stir cornstarch mixed with warm water into the sauce and continue stirring until thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- Finish Cooking with Sauce: Spoon the pomegranate sauce atop the lamb chops in the skillet, then bake for an additional 5 minutes so the sauce bakes atop the meat. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for a caramelized finish, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer lamb chops to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with preferred sides such as mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, salad, or rice for a complete meal.
- Enjoy: Relish your beautifully prepared Fancy Pomegranate Lamb Chops with their exquisite balance of savory and fruity flavors.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness to avoid over or undercooking.
- You can substitute cornstarch with flour, arrowroot, or tapioca flour for thickening the sauce.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice caramelized finish.
- Resting the meat allows juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- Pair with robust sides like mashed potatoes or rice to complement the rich lamb.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: pomegranate lamb chops, seared lamb recipe, baked lamb chops, pomegranate sauce, elegant lamb dinner, Mediterranean lamb recipe
