Herbed Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto – A Flavorful Feast

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

Marinate the Lamb: Coat the lamb chops with the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, in the refrigerator. This allows the lamb to absorb the flavors.

Cook the Lamb Chops: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the lamb chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more well-done. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chops.

Rest the Lamb: After cooking, transfer the lamb chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and ensures tender, flavorful meat.

For the Mint Pesto:
Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the mint leaves, parsley, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.

Blend the Pesto: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste, and pulse again to combine.

Adjust Consistency: If the pesto is too thick, add a little more olive oil until you reach the desired consistency.

To Serve:
Plate the Lamb Chops: Arrange the rested lamb chops on a serving platter or individual plates.

Top with Pesto: Spoon the fresh mint pesto generously over the lamb chops or serve it on the side for dipping.

Serving and Storage Tips