Basil Lamb Chops with Lemon Quinoa

Every time I think about lamb, I think about my friend, Nikki. Nikki loves lambs… and I mean really loves lambs. Remember that video of Kristen Bell where she had a full meltdown and started crying uncontrollably because she was going to meet a sloth for the first time? If not, you need to watch it now. And even if you have seen it, it’s worth watching again. CLICK HERE to see it. It’s ok, we’ll wait…

While my dear friend didn’t quite go fetal like Miss Bell, the chance to hold a lamb did bring tears to her eyes and she was overcome with complete and utter joy. I wish I had been there to capture the moment with my own eyes. It’s refreshing to see such a reaction from an adult – one that is usually only seen from a young child not yet afraid of expressing their emotions to the fullest.

Nikki not only wants to cuddle cute little lambs, but lamb happens to be one of her favorite meals. Now I realize I may have just made her sound creepy [and she’s totally not] but if you also love to eat lamb I’m positive you aren’t going to tell me you don’t think they are as adorable as they are tasty. And boy is lamb tasty!

I remember perusing the grocery store in Australia and noting all the different cuts of lamb and mutton. It was similar to how we might find beef displayed in the U.S. and is definitely the more popular choice down under. I’m not quite sure why lamb is not as popular in the U.S. I have read that in the Old West there was competition between cattle farmers and sheep farmers and the cattle farmers won the market but I can’t seem to find more about the story. (Maybe some of you can enlighten me?)

With so many different food movements and the drive to try new and different cuisines, I’ve found that lamb has become more readily available nowadays and I’m all for celebrating that. I happened upon an amazing sale on lamb at Bristol Farms last week and stocked up on a few different cuts of meat. Usually I think of lamb in Indian or Moroccan food but there’s no reason it can’t be as versatile as any other popular carnivorous choice. The meat is extremely flavorful on its own and blends well with many different herbs and spices.

These lamb loin chops were simply coated with a basil rub and roasted in the oven. They came out juicy, tender and bone-sucking delicious. The lemony quinoa with its bright cheery disposition was the perfect accompaniment and was particularly good soaked in the juices from the lamb. When the meal is done, don’t throw away those bones! Boil them in water with onion, carrot, celery, wine and a few herbs for a nice stock. Then save it for a night when you finally decide to make that risotto that you’ve been promising yourself to try one day.

Nikki’s birthday was last week and now I’m thinking I should have taken her to a sheep farm to celebrate but that might’ve proven to be a little complicated here in San Diego. Ah well, I’ll just cook up some delightful lamb chops instead.

Basil Lamb Chops with Lemon Quinoa

www.barbaracooks.com

Servings: 2 • Size: 2 chops & 3/4 cup quinoa • Weight Watcher Points+: 11

Calories: 482 • Fat: 19g • Carbs: 23g • Fiber: 3g • Protein: 51g

Sugars: 1g • Sodium: 248mg • Cholesterol: 140mg

Ingredients:

For the Lamb Chops:

• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 4 lamb loin chops (1 pound total including bone, 3 ounces meat on each)
• 1/3 cup chopped tomato

For the Lemon Quinoa:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup dry quinoa
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Zest and juice of ½ lemon

Directions:

For the lamb chops, stir together the basil, salt, pepper and avocado oil in a small bowl. Rub the mixture on both sides of each of the lamb chops and place in a shallow baking dish. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to 1 day).

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Roast the lamb chops, uncovered 35-40 minutes or until an internal thermometer registers at least 150 degrees for medium.

Meanwhile make the quinoa. In a medium pot over high heat, heat the chicken broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice and fluff with a fork.

Serve the quinoa and lamb chops together topped with the chopped tomato.