The Secret Ingredient (Za’atar) Part III: Za’atar Lamb Chops

RECIPE: Za'atar Lamb Chops
Za'atar Lamb Chops

Za'atar Lamb Chops

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In the two weeks prior to this installment, I have made za’atarfeel extremely out of place. I placed it where it did not belong, on salmon skewers and in fried chicken. I am sure it was most uncomfortable, and extremely cross with me. Even if it was delicious.

This week, I wanted to placate za’atar with a slightly more traditional treatment. I was getting up to speed on Mad Men this week, and I was struck by Betty Draper’s “Around the World” dinner party, where every dish came from a new, far-flung location, starting in Spain, with gazpacho. Today, our dinner party starts in the Middle East, with succulent lamb, so typically paired with the region, highly seasoned with za’atar and olive oil and grilled, just three minutes per side, until the sumac and thyme and sesame are charred to a gorgeous smoking black and their perfumes violate the meat and seep into its very core while crusting the outside. So simple and fast, no one will believe you just transported them halfway around the world. I do love the unexpected, but sometimes the traditional can be just as delightful.

Za'atar

Za'atar

Za'atar Lamb Chops
serves 2 to start

Za'atar Lamb ChopsIngredients

  • .6 pounds lamb chops (about 4)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons za’atar
  • Olive oil for drizzling

Procedure

Heat a grill pan on medium-high to high.

Dredge the lamb in the za’atar, and drizzle with olive oil.  Sear the lamb chops 3 minutes per side.  Serve with the spicy, creamy dipping sauce.

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon harissa (very spicy, alter to your liking)
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Sauce Procedure

Whisk to combine

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Categories: 15 Minutes, Appetizers & Hors D’Oeuvres, Eat, For a Crowd, Recipes, Series, The Secret Ingredient

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