Ingredients

  • 8 lamb chops (1 1/2-inch thick chops)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 4 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 12 teaspoon paprika
  • 12 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 lemon, zest of
  • 1 lemon, juice of
  • 1 orange, juice of
  • 12 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for sauteing
  • 14 ounces quick cooking couscous (1 box)
  • chicken broth, to cook the couscous in
  • 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
  • 14 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped fine
  • 14 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

  • Marinade -- In a large baggie, mix the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice and orange juice.
  • Add the lamb chops and marinade all day.
  • Up to 8 hours preferably or as long as you can.
  • Pomegranate -- What is the world do I do with it?
  • Well it does stain, and it is a mess.
  • But oh so good.
  • Now I found pomegranate seeds at Whole Foods, but my Publix grocery store has fresh pomegranate at 1/6th the cost.
  • Secret to cleaning them.
  • One -- wear a dark shirt, two stand over the sink -- three DO NOT use a wood cutting board.
  • Cut in half and then again in half.
  • In a bowl of water pull the seeds away from the membrane and pulp.
  • The seeds sink, the pulp floats.
  • Then just scoop out the membrane and the seeds are ready to enjoy.
  • That easy.
  • It is definitely a treat.
  • Couscous -- Now, just follow the instructions.
  • Most of the quick cooking brands will require 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 cups water.
  • Personally, I use chicken stock.
  • It adds so much flavor.
  • For the most part, I just boil the water in a medium bowl in the microwave, remove, add the couscous, stir once and cover with a plate.
  • Let set 5 minutes.
  • While you let the couscous set, you need to grill the lamb.
  • Then as the lamb rests you can flavor your couscous.
  • To the couscous -- add in the pistachios, lemon zest, cilantro, cinnimon, olive oil and the pomegranate seeds, a little pepper (salt if you want) but the broth is salty.
  • Lamb -- Now as the couscous rests grill your lamb.
  • I prefer the outside grill, but a inside grill pan will be just fine.
  • Medium high heat brushed with olive oil.
  • You could also use a cast iron pan as well for this.
  • Just brush off most of the yogurt marinade so it doesn't sweat but browns as it cooks.
  • Grill 5-7 minutes per side until you see nice grill marks and then remove.
  • You want them medium rare about 140 degrees.
  • A thermometer is very helpful at this point unless you are very comfortable with judging the doneness of the meat.
  • Don't over cook.
  • Remove and just cover to let them rest.
  • Finish up your couscous as they cook and then serve 2 chops per person over a nice bed of the couscous.
  • A nice saute of spinach, kale or swiss chard to me is a great side or maybe just some roasted green beans or even broccoli.
  • This makes a beautiful dish served to company.
  • A little expensive with the lamb, but such a nice treat.
  • And besides the couscous, vegetables are inexpensive, so my philosophy is spend money on one main item to focus on and cut back on other items.
  • You guests will never know and they will love it regardless.