Imagine a culinary journey that transforms your kitchen into a vibrant Moroccan marketplace, where aromatic spices dance and tender lamb chops sizzle with irresistible allure. This Moroccan Lamb Chops with Braised Red Cabbage recipe is not just a meal—it's an experience that combines the rich, bold flavors of North African cuisine with the comfort of a home-cooked dish. Get ready to impress your dinner guests and elevate your cooking skills with this show-stopping recipe that promises to be both elegant and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 lamb chops
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 red cabbage (sliced)
- 1 apple (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove lamb chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix cumin and coriander with salt and pepper to create a spice rub for the lamb chops.
- Pat lamb chops dry with paper towels and generously coat both sides of the chops with the spice mixture, pressing the spices into the meat.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place lamb chops in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness.
- Remove lamb chops from the skillet and let them rest on a warm plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté sliced red cabbage and apple over medium heat.
- Cook the cabbage mixture for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Season the braised cabbage with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the braised red cabbage and top with the spiced lamb chops.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like mint or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let lamb chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and a perfectly cooked result.
- Spice Rub Technique: Press the spice mixture firmly into the meat to create a flavorful crust that will seal in the juices.
- Skillet Selection: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat and beautiful caramelization on the lamb chops.
- Resting Matters: Allow the lamb chops to rest after cooking to redistribute the juices, ensuring a moist and tender bite.
- Cabbage Caramelization: Cook the red cabbage slowly to develop a sweet, slightly charred flavor that complements the spiced lamb.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like mint or parsley can add a bright, fresh note to the rich dish.
- Wine Pairing: Consider serving with a medium-bodied red wine like Syrah or Grenache to complement the lamb's robust flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
