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Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops

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Harissa-Spiced Lamb ChopsMartyn Thompson

On Moroccan tables, in addition to salt and pepper, you'll find a pinch pot of ground cumin. Sprinkling a little on cooked meat makes it taste somehow meatier and juicier.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    2 3/4 hour

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

6

double-rib lamb chops, frenched

2

tablespoons fiery harissa

1

teaspoon salt

1

tablespoon olive oil

2

tablespoons unsalted butter

2

sprigs fresh thyme

Ground cumin for sprinkling

Special Equipment

an instant-read thermometer

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pat chops dry and coat on all sides with harissa. Transfer to a glass or ceramic dish and marinate, covered and chilled, 2 hours.

    Step 2

    Sprinkle chops with salt. Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then brown chops on all sides, 7 to 8 minutes total.

    Step 3

    Add butter and thyme and continue to cook, turning chops frequently with tongs and basting occasionally, until thermometer inserted between ribs to center of a chop (do not touch bone) registers 120 to 125°F for medium-rare, 15 to 18 minutes more. Transfer chops to a cutting board and let stand, uncovered, 10 minutes.

    Step 4

    Serve with ground cumin for sprinkling.