Spiced Moroccan Lamb Chops with Herb Garnish
Discover the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine with these succulent marinated lamb blade chops. This recipe combines tender lamb with a zesty marinade made from kefir and a fragrant mix of spices, creating a dish that's both aromatic and delightful. Perfect for gatherings, these grilled lamb chops are best served with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and scallions, making them not just a meal, but an experience of delightful textures and tastes. Allow your taste buds to travel to Morocco with each bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kefir or whole milk plain yogurt
32 ounces (none)
Ras el hanout spice mix
1/3 cup plus more for serving (none)
Garlic cloves
8 (smashed)
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons (none)
Lamb blade chops
8 (1/2 inch thick)
Cilantro leaves
to taste (for serving)
Thinly sliced scallion
to taste (for serving)
Vegetable oil
for brushing (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the kefir, ras el hanout spice mix, smashed garlic, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined.
2
Place the lamb blade chops into a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag, ensuring to push out as much air as possible to promote even marination.
3
Refrigerate the lamb chops for a minimum of 3 hours and ideally up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4
Prepare your grill for high heat; make sure to clean the grates thoroughly and brush them with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
5
Remove the lamb from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chops on the hot grill.
6
Grill the lamb chops, turning once to achieve a beautiful char and a medium-rare internal temperature, typically around 3 minutes on each side.
7
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the lamb to a serving platter and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
8
Before serving, generously top the lamb with fresh cilantro leaves and thinly sliced scallions. Dust with additional ras el hanout for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Moroccan Lamb Chops?
Spiced Moroccan Lamb Chops are succulent lamb blade chops marinated in a zesty kefir and ras el hanout spice mixture, then grilled and garnished with fresh herbs.
What is the primary spice used in this recipe?
The primary spice is Ras el hanout, a fragrant Moroccan spice mix that provides a complex and aromatic flavor profile.
Can I substitute kefir with another ingredient?
Yes, you can substitute kefir with whole milk plain yogurt if preferred.
How long should the lamb chops marinate?
The lamb should marinate for at least 3 hours, though for the best results, it is recommended to marinate them for up to 24 hours.
What cut of lamb is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for lamb blade chops that are approximately 1/2 inch thick.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the marinade?
The recipe requires 8 garlic cloves, which should be smashed before being added to the marinade.
What is the purpose of the kefir in the marinade?
Kefir acts as a tenderizer for the meat while providing a tangy base that helps the spices penetrate the lamb.
How should I prepare the grill?
Prepare the grill for high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and brushed with vegetable oil to prevent the meat from sticking.
How long should I grill each side of the lamb chop?
The chops should be grilled for approximately 3 minutes per side to achieve a medium-rare internal temperature.
Why is it important to rest the lamb after grilling?
Resting the lamb for 10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains tender and flavorful.
What garnishes are recommended for this dish?
The dish is best served topped with fresh cilantro leaves, thinly sliced scallions, and an extra dusting of ras el hanout.
How much ras el hanout is needed for the marinade?
You will need 1/3 cup of ras el hanout for the marinade, plus a little extra for serving.
What type of oil is used for the grill grates?
Vegetable oil is recommended for brushing the grill grates.
Do I need to remove the marinade before grilling?
Yes, you should remove the lamb from the marinade and allow any excess liquid to drip off before placing the chops on the grill.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of kosher salt to be whisked into the marinade.
Is this recipe suitable for a large gathering?
Yes, with 8 lamb chops and a flavorful marinade, it is an excellent choice for gatherings and barbecues.
What internal temperature should the lamb reach?
The lamb should be grilled to a medium-rare temperature, which is typically achieved with 3 minutes of high-heat grilling per side.
Can I use a different type of salt?
While kosher salt is specified, you can use other salts, though you may need to adjust the volume based on the grain size.
How should the scallions be prepared?
The scallions should be thinly sliced before being used as a garnish.
What is the texture of the lamb blade chops?
When marinated in kefir and grilled correctly, the lamb blade chops become tender and develop a beautiful charred exterior.
Can I make this recipe indoors?
While grilling is recommended for the char, you can use a cast-iron grill pan on high heat indoors as an alternative.
How do I ensure the marinade is evenly distributed?
Place the lamb and marinade in a large resealable plastic bag and push out as much air as possible before sealing.
What are the flavor notes of this dish?
The dish features vibrant Moroccan flavors, combining zesty citrus-like notes from the kefir with warm, aromatic earthiness from the spices.
Is cilantro necessary for this recipe?
Cilantro is used as a fresh herb garnish to add a burst of color and flavor, though it can be omitted if you have a preference against it.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required for this Moroccan lamb recipe.
What category of cuisine does this fall into?
This recipe is a part of Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine.
Can the marinade be reused?
No, the marinade should be discarded after use as it has been in contact with raw meat.
How many lamb chops does the recipe yield?
The recipe is designed for 8 lamb blade chops.
What is the benefit of smashing the garlic?
Smashing the garlic cloves helps release their essential oils and juices into the marinade more effectively.
Can I marinate the meat at room temperature?
No, for safety reasons, the lamb must be refrigerated throughout the entire marination process.