Lamb Recipes

3 tablespoons olive oil
8 lamb chops
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 medium fennel bulb, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves, torn
1 5-ounce bag fresh arugula

Heat oven to 400° F.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the lamb with 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and 3/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Add 4 of the chops to the skillet and cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chops. Roast to the desired doneness, 4 to 6 minutes for medium-rare.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, fennel, lemon juice, oregano, and the remaining oil, salt, and pepper. Divide the arugula and lamb chops among individual plates and spoon the tomato mixture over the greens.

Tip: The bright, refreshing flavors of the tomato, fennel, and arugula salad also go well with seared steak or salmon.
Yield: Makes 4 servings

NUTRITION PER SERVING
CALORIES 407(46% from fat); FAT 21g (sat 4g); CHOLESTEROL 127mg; CARBOHYDRATE 12g; SODIUM 644mg; PROTEIN 43g; FIBER 4g; SUGAR 3g

4 lamb loin chops (each about 1 1/2 inches thick)
1 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 shallots, cut in half
4 plum tomatoes, cut into quarters
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 baguette (optional)

Heat oven to 400° F.
Yield: Makes 4 servings

Season the lamb with the paprika, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Heat the oil over medium-high heat in an ovenproof skillet. Cook the lamb in the skillet until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add the shallots to the skillet.

Transfer the skillet to oven and cook the lamb to the desired doneness, 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare.

Transfer the lamb to individual plates. Add the tomatoes, olives, and parsley to the hot skillet and toss to combine with the shallots. Serve with the lamb and baguette, if desired.

Tip: Paprika comes in several varieties, including sweet, hot, and smoked. Any type will work in this recipe, but if you opt for hot, use only 1/2 teaspoon.

NUTRITION PER SERVING
CALORIES 188(49% from fat); FAT 10g (sat 2g); CHOLESTEROL 44mg; CARBOHYDRATE 9g; SODIUM 544mg; PROTEIN 15g; FIBER 1g; SUGAR 3g

(We found this terrific dinner idea in Real Simple Magazine!)