Grilled Lamb Shoulder Chops with Fresh Mint Jelly

The classic pairing of lamb with bright green mint jelly has largely gone away, but lamb and mint is a delicious combination. Chef John combines fresh mint with orange marmalade as a tasty substitute for the store-bought jelly.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 604 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon water
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ cup orange marmalade
• olive oil
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 2 (8 ounce) lamb shoulder chops
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice
• ½ bunch fresh mint, leaves only, very thinly sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Using the dull side of a knife, "chop" the rosemary sprigs to bruise them and release their fragrance. Season chops with pepper (no salt) and place in a resealable plastic bag along with the garlic, rosemary, and pomegranate juice. Seal bag; massage gently to distribute flavors. Refrigerate for about 1 hour.

Step 2

Place orange marmalade into a saucepan. Add vinegar and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and immediately remove from heat. Pour through a fine strainer to remove orange rind. Add pepper flakes. Refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes. When cold, stir in mint (if jelly is still warm, mint will turn black) until combined.

Step 3

Remove lamb from marinade; discard marinade. Salt both sides of the lamb chops. Lightly drizzle with about 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil.

Step 4

Lightly oil a grill and set at medium-high heat. Cook chops until browned and meat is medium rare, about 5 minutes on each side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 130 degrees F (54 degrees C).

Step 5

Serve with mint jelly.