Lebanese Lamb Chops with Lemony Lettuce Recipe

Lebanese Lamb Chops with Lemony Lettuce Recipe

  • 2 large lemons
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon baharat (Eastern Mediterranean spice mixture; see cooks' note, below)
  • 8 (3/4-inch-thick) rib lamb chops (2 pounds)
  • 2 heads Bibb lettuce (about 3/4 pound each), torn into large pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups mint leaves
  1. Grate 2 teaspoons zest from 1 lemon. Trim ends of both lemons, then stand lemons on a cut side and cut peel, including white pith, from lemons with a sharp paring knife (discard peel). Cut segments free from membranes, then cut segments crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Toss lemon segments gently with sugar in a bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons oil. Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes for flavors to develop.
  2. Mince and mash garlic to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt, then stir together with baharat, grated zest, remaining tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Rub all over lamb chops.
  3. Toss lettuce and mint with lemon mixture.
  4. Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium-high heat for gas); see Grilling Procedure .
  5. Grill chops, turning once, about 6 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and let rest, loosely covered, 5 minutes. Serve chops with salad.
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