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Moroccan Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic, Mint and Spices Recipe

Grilled meats are quite popular in Morocco, and you'll often see grills set up outside neighborhood butcher shops so customers can have small purchases of meat or offal cooked to order for a quick meal. Select rib or loin lamb chops. Allow the meat to marinate at least several hours (overnight is better) for tender, flavorful results. Moroccan grilled meats are often served with Moroccan mint tea. Consider adding the following side dishes for a complete meal: green bean and new potato sauté and zaalouk —cooked salad of eggplant and tomato.

complex13 ingredients8 preparation steps
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Ingredients

  • 1 kilogram (about 2 pounds) lamb chops
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh spearmint leaves
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, pressed
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or hot paprika, optional

Preparation

  1. 1Steps to Make It
  2. 2Gather the ingredients.
  3. 3In a large mixing bowl combine the herbs, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. Add the lamb chops and mix well to coat the meat evenly.
  4. 4Cover the bowl and refrigerate the lamb chops. For best results, allow the lamb tomarinatefor at least 5 to 6 hours, or as long as overnight.
  5. 5Remove the lamb chops from the fridge and allow the meat to come to room temperature while you heat your grill. Lightly oil the grill rack or agrilling basketto prevent the meat from sticking.
  6. 6When the coals are hot, arrange the meat on the rack or in the grilling basket without crowding. Plan to cook the lamb chops in batches if necessary.
  7. 7Cook the lamb chops for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the cuts of meat. Be careful of flames from fat drippings, which can scorch the meat.
  8. 8Serve immediately, or hold the lamb chops warm for a short while by wrapping in aluminum foil and leaving to the side of the grill away from direct heat.