Lamb Chops with Minted Yogurt Sauce

This is a simple, weeknight-friendly recipe for lamb chops that get topped with a tzatziki-like yogurt sauce flavored with fresh mint, lemon, garlic and shallot. Though the recipe calls for stove- top cooking, these chops could just as easily be tossed on the grill. If so, aim for about 3 minutes per side.

For the sauce:
1 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For the lamb:
12 lamb rib chops
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Ground cumin
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, mint, garlic, shallot and lemon juice. Mix well; taste and season with salt and pepper; set aside. Season lamb chops with salt, pepper and ground cumin, to taste. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, heat one tablespoon of the oil. Add half of the chops and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer chops to an oven-safe plate and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining tablespoon of oil and chops. Serve the lamb chops topped with the mint-yogurt sauce. Serves 4 to 6.

The writer owns Catering by Debbi Covington and is the author of three cookbooks, Celebrate Beaufort, Celebrate Everything! and Dining Under the Carolina Moon. For more great recipes and to view her cooking demonstrations, visit and subscribe to Debbi’s YouTube channel. Debbi’s website address is www.cateringbydebbicovington.com. She may be reached at 843-525-0350 or by email at dbc@cateringbydebbicovington.com.