Grilled Lamb Shoulder Chops with Fresh Mint Jelly

Previous Next

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 (8 ounce) lamb shoulder chops
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Olive oil, as needed
• Mint Jelly:
• cup orange marmalade
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon water
• teaspoon red pepper flakes
• bunch fresh mint, leaves only, very thinly sliced

Directions

1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the recipe.
2. To marinate the lamb: Using the dull side of a knife, gently bruise the rosemary sprigs to release their aromatic oils. Season the lamb chops with black pepper (do not add salt at this stage). Place the chops into a resealable plastic bag along with the garlic, rosemary, and pomegranate juice. Seal the bag and massage it gently to distribute the flavors. Let the chops marinate in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
3. While the lamb marinates, prepare the mint jelly: In a saucepan, combine the orange marmalade, white wine vinegar, and water. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, remove it immediately from the heat. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the orange rind. Add the red pepper flakes and refrigerate the jelly until it is cold, about 30 minutes.
4. Once the mint jelly has cooled, stir in the finely sliced fresh mint. Make sure the jelly is no longer warm, as the mint will turn black if added to warm jelly.
5. After the marination time has passed, remove the lamb chops from the bag and discard the marinade. Season both sides of the lamb chops with kosher salt. Lightly drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates. Place the lamb chops on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the meat is browned and reaches a medium-rare doneness. To check the internal temperature, use an instant-read thermometer, which should read 130F (54C) when inserted into the center of the meat.
7. Once the lamb chops are cooked, serve them hot with the prepared mint jelly on the side.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 604
• Total Fat: 29g (37% of Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (52% of Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 116mg (39% of Daily Value)
• Sodium: 322mg (14% of Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 60g (22% of Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% of Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 50g
• Protein: 31g (61% of Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 17mg (18% of Daily Value)
• Calcium: 107mg (8% of Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (21% of Daily Value)
• Potassium: 374mg (8% of Daily Value)

Servings Per Recipe: 2

Origin and History

The combination of lamb and mint has been a staple in culinary traditions for centuries, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Lamb, a tender and flavorful meat, has been prized in various cultures for its rich taste. The pairing with mint, a fragrant herb, adds a refreshing contrast to the savory richness of lamb. While mint jelly as a condiment specifically became popular in the United States and Britain in the 19th century, it has its roots in the need for a cooling, slightly sweet sauce to balance the rich flavors of lamb. This dish represents a fusion of traditional flavors and modern grilling techniques.

Regional Variations

In different parts of the world, lamb is prepared in various ways, but the combination of lamb and mint is especially prevalent in the United Kingdom and the Middle East. In the UK, lamb chops are often served with mint sauce, made from fresh mint leaves and vinegar, to add a tangy and aromatic note. The concept of using mint jelly is more common in the United States, where it complements the grilled lamb chops beautifully with its sweet and tart profile. The regional difference lies in the type of mint-based sauce used, whether it's a jelly, a sauce, or a glaze.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

Grilled lamb shoulder chops with mint jelly stand apart from other lamb dishes, such as lamb chops with rosemary or lamb with garlic sauce, due to the unique balance of sweetness and freshness provided by the mint jelly. While rosemary is often used to enhance the savory aspect of lamb, and garlic is a common aromatic, the mint jelly provides a distinct contrast. Unlike more traditional savory accompaniments, this mint jelly brings a refreshing and sweet note, which elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish. Its this contrast that sets it apart from other lamb dishes, making it a memorable and unique dining experience.

Where It Is Typically Served

This dish is often served during festive occasions or special gatherings, particularly in the spring or around Easter when lamb is a popular choice for holiday meals. It can be found in many fine-dining restaurants that focus on contemporary American or Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of grilled lamb chops with mint jelly is also a favorite at barbecues or outdoor grilling events, where the rich flavors of the lamb complement the refreshing mint sauce. In the UK and parts of Europe, it's commonly seen on the tables of family gatherings and formal dinners alike.

Interesting Facts

1. Mint jelly is often made from spearmint or peppermint, and it was originally developed as a way to preserve mint in a jelly form. Over time, it became a popular pairing for lamb due to the complementary flavors.

2. Pomegranate juice, a key ingredient in the marinade for this dish, is known for its antioxidant properties and adds a slight tartness to the lamb, balancing the richness of the meat.

3. In many cultures, lamb is considered a symbol of spring and renewal, making it a popular choice for celebrations, particularly during Easter.

4. The tradition of pairing mint with lamb dates back to ancient Roman times, where mint was used not only for culinary purposes but also for medicinal and aromatic uses.

FAQ about Grilled Lamb Shoulder Chops with Fresh Mint Jelly

Comments