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Lebanese Lamb Chops with Lemony Lettuce
Gourmet
from Gina Marie Miraglia Eriquez
Ingredients
2 large lemons
1 teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon baharat (Eastern Mediterranean spice mixture; see note, below)
8 (3/4-inch-thick) rib lamb chops (2 pounds)
2 heads Bibb lettuce (about 3/4 pound each), torn into large pieces
1 1/2 cups mint leaves
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Preparation
Grate 2 teaspoons zest from 1 lemon. Trim ends of both lemons, then stand lemons on a cut side and cut peel, including white pith, from lemons with a sharp paring knife (discard peel). Cut segments free from membranes, then cut segments crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Toss lemon segments gently with sugar in a bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons oil. Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes for flavors to develop.
Mince and mash garlic to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt, then stir together with baharat, grated zest, remaining tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Rub all over lamb chops.
Toss lettuce and mint with lemon mixture.
Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium-high heat for gas); see Grilling Procedure .
Grill chops, turning once, about 6 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and let rest, loosely covered, 5 minutes. Serve chops with salad and orzo.
Notes:
•You can make your own baharat by grinding 1 teaspoon each of whole cloves, cumin seeds, Maras or Aleppo pepper, and a 3-inch cinnamon stick (broken in half) in an electric coffee/spice grinder until finely ground.
•Chops can be cooked in an oiled hot 2-burner grill pan over medium-high heat, turning once, about 6 minutes.
•Lemon mixture keeps at room temperature 2 hours. Toss with lettuce and mint just before serving.
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