LAMB LOIN Chops WITH Green Olive–orange Relish
- 20m Prep Time
- 10m Cook Time
- 35m Ready In
Lamb loin chops are seasoned with a Moroccan spice rub and served with a green olive-orange relish. The relish adds a salty-sweet note that complements the earthy lamb.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 12 bone-in lamb loin chops
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves chopped
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest finely grated
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Estimated based off 9 of 14 identified ingredients (per 100 g food data, scaled by amount).
Vitamins & minerals
- Calcium: 27.5 mg
- Iron: 1.3 mg
- Magnesium: 17.5 mg
- Phosphorus: 94.8 mg
- Potassium: 170 mg
- Zinc: 1.94 mg
Let's Prepare
Collect
Gather these ingredients — no prep needed yet.
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 12 bone-in lamb loin chops
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
Prepare
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, finely chopped
- Chop 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
Let's Cook
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Step 1.
In a small bowl, stir together 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
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Step 2.
Place 12 (1 1/4-inch-thick) bone-in lamb loin chops (2 1/2 to 3 pounds total) on a baking sheet in a single layer and pat dry with paper towels. Brush the chops all over with a little extra-virgin olive oil, then sprinkle evenly on both sides with the spice mixture. Set aside at room temperature for up to 30 minutes.
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Step 3.
While the lamb rests, make the relish: In a medium bowl, stir together 1/2 cup packed finely chopped pitted green olives (preferably Lucques or Picholine), 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice, and the finely grated zest of 1 orange (about 1 teaspoon). Set aside.
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Step 4.
In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium and add the lamb chops in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook until well browned on the bottom, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the chops over and cook to your preferred doneness, 4 to 5 minutes longer for medium-rare (about 130°F).
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Step 5.
Transfer the cooked chops to a serving plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil; let rest for 5 minutes. Top with the relish and serve at once.