Lamb Chops With Mint-Pistachio Pesto Recipe
Killer App: Lamb Lollipops With Mint-Pistachio Pesto
When I'm planning a party where vegetarians are in attendance, I normally like to serve a meal that's mostly meat-free. The main course must be veggie-friendly, as should several of the appetizers. Then, I offer one super special hors d'oeurve for the carnivores.
At a recent dinner, I did just this, and delighted my meat-eating friends with lamb "lollipops." I asked the butcher to French them, slice off the fat, and cut each chop into its own piece. Guests ate them like lollipops: they picked up the chop by the bone and bit off the meat.
Topped with a mint-pistachio pesto, these chops are finger-licking good! If you've never cooked with lamb, don't be intimidated, this recipe is easy. You simply blitz the pesto ingredients in a food processor and broil the lamb chops. To get the method, keep reading.
From William-Sonoma New Flavors for Appetizers
Ingredients
1 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup shelled, salted, and roasted pistachio nuts
1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
1/2 cup fruity extra-virgin olive oil, plus oil for drizzling
sea salt
freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup finely grated pecorino romano cheese
12 small lamb rib chops, Frenched
Directions
- In a food processor or blender, combine the mint, parsley, pistachio nuts, garlic, and 1/2 cup olive oil and process until blended but still retains some texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the grated cheese. You should have about 3/4 cup pesto.
- Preheat the broiler.
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the lamb chops in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Broil until well-browned on both sides flipping once, about 3 minutes per side or until both sides are done to your liking.
- To serve, arrange the lamb chops on a warmed platter or divide them among warmed serving plates (2 chops per serving). Top each with a dollop of pesto. Pass the remaining pesto with the platter or at the table, or reserve for another use. Serve right away.
Serves 6.
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