Lamb Chops with Scallion Mint Salsa

“The seasoning on these lamb chops envelops them in a jacket of flavour, while the scallion and mint salsa is the bright green scarf that makes it all dressed up for a fancy dinner party,” says food writer Nik Sharma.

“Halve the amount of garlic for a milder flavour. Toum [Lebanese garlic sauce] is a great alternative or accompaniment to the salsa.”

Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the lamb:

• 8 lamb rib chops (total weight 910g)
• 60ml fresh lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon amchur
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, coarsely cracked
• 2 teaspoon or more kala namak

For the salsa (makes 360ml):

• 120ml extra-virgin olive oil
• 60ml fresh lemon juice
• 1 bunch fresh mint (55g), chopped
• 4 spring onions, both white and green parts, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 fresh green chilli, minced
• fine sea salt

The flavour approach: kala namak, or Indian black salt, acts as the brining salt and also as a flavouring agent for the meat. The combination of salt and acid in the marinade changes the lamb’s protein structure. In the case of red meat, the tough collagen starts to solubilise, and the tissue swells as it retains water and is tenderised. The cooked meat will be tender and juicy.

Method

To prepare the lamb, pat the chops dry with clean paper towels and place them in a large resealable bag. In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice, two tablespoons of the olive oil, amchur, black pepper, chilli powder, fennel, and kala namak and pour over the lamb chops in the bag. Seal the bag and shake to coat the chops well. Leave the chops to marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours, preferably six hours.

An hour before you’re ready to cook, prepare the salsa. In a lidded bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, mint, spring onions, garlic, black pepper, and chilli. Taste and season with salt. Cover and let stand until ready to serve.

When you’re ready to cook the chops, leave them in the plastic bag out on the kitchen counter for at least 15 minutes to warm to room temperature.

Cook the marinated chops in batches. Heat the remaining one tablespoon of olive oil in a large stainless-steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, lift four chops out of the bag with a pair of kitchen tongs and place them on the hot pan for three to four minutes per side for rare and five to six minutes per side for medium-rare (on an instant-read thermometer, 62.8°C for rare and 71°C for medium-rare). Repeat with the remaining one tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining chops. Transfer the chops to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for five minutes before serving.

Before serving, garnish the lamb with the scallion mint salsa. Serve warm.

The Flavor Equation: The Science Of Great Cooking Explained + More Than 100 Essential Recipes by Nik Sharma, is published by Chronicle Books. Photography by Nik Sharma. Available now.

What do you like to serve with your lamb chops? Let us know in the comments section below.

Also read: Grilled Lamb with Tahini Sauce and Pumpkin Tabouli

– With PA