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Lamb Chops with Everything-Bagel Yogurt and Chickpeas

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Lamb Chops with Everything-Bagel Yogurt and ChickpeasPhotos by Charles Masters, food styling by Sue Li

Splurge on lamb rib chops or save on loin chops; either way you will enjoy this Moroccan-inspired meal. The familiar flavors of an everything bagel make a surprise appearance here to spice a zesty yogurt dip. Harissa paste (available in specialty food stores and many grocery stores) adds a fiery punch to chickpeas simmered with carrots and tomatoes. It can vary greatly in spiciness and saltiness from brand to brand, so add a little at first and taste as you go.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    50 Minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

7

tablespoons olive oil, divided

2

1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds

2

1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds

2

teaspoons dried minced garlic

2

teaspoons dried minced onion

1

teaspoon coarse salt

8

1-inch-thick lamb rib or loin chops (about 1 1/2 pounds)

1

teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1

/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

1

/2 cup chopped yellow onion

1

/2 pound carrots, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices on a bias

2

garlic cloves, minced

2

teaspoons to 2 tablespoons harissa paste (depending on heat and saltiness)

1

teaspoon ground cumin

1

/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1

/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1

15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1

15-ounce can diced tomatoes

1

tablespoon vegetable oil, such as grapeseed

3

/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)

2

teaspoons lemon juice

2

tablespoons chopped parsley

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small skillet, warm 6 tablespoons olive oil, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt over medium-low heat until the spices just start to sizzle and turn very light brown, about 2 minutes. Quickly pour into a heat-safe bowl and allow to cool completely.

    Step 2

    Season the lamb chops with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; set aside.

    Step 3

    In a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and sauté until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add carrots and sauté until softened and starting to brown, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, 2 teaspoons harissa, cumin, and paprika and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute more. Add broth and scrape up brown bits from bottom of pan. Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more harissa if desired.

    Step 4

    In a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat, heat vegetable oil. Sear chops, working in batches if necessary, 3 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium rare.

    Step 5

    Mix yogurt with lemon juice. Gently fold in 1 tablespoon everything-bagel-spiced olive oil.

    Step 6

    To serve, spoon the chickpea mixture onto the plate. Top each chop with a dollop of yogurt. Finish with an additional drizzle of the spiced oil. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.