Lamb Chops With Pomegranate Sauce Saffron Pilaf Recipes

LAMB BRAISED IN POMEGRANATE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Generously season lamb chops with salt and black pepper.
• Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over high heat. Place lamb chops in Dutch oven and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer lamb to a plate and reduce heat to medium.
• Stir onion and a pinch of salt into the Dutch oven; cook until onions are slightly golden, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Pour pomegranate juice into the Dutch oven and scrape any browned bits off of the bottom of the pot. Pour in balsamic vinegar, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil.
• Stir rosemary, mint leaves, and red pepper flakes into pomegranate juice mixture. Continue to boil until liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Return lamb and any accumulated juices to Dutch oven, spoon pomegranate mixture over lamb, and cover.
• Cook in the preheated oven until meat is fork tender, about 2 hours. Transfer lamb to a plate and set Dutch oven on the stovetop over high heat. Bring pomegranate mixture to a boil; cook, skimming any fat that accumulates, until liquid is reduced by 1/3, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in honey and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Return lamb to the Dutch oven; stir to combine. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, sliced mint leaves, and pumpkin seeds.

LAMB CHOPS WITH POMEGRANATE SAUCE & SAFFRON PILAF

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler and arrange the rack 8 inches from the broiler.
• Heat a pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add the butter and melt, then add the orzo and stir. Toast the pasta to golden brown, 3 minutes, then add the rice and stir to combine. Add the saffron threads to the pan and stir in the stock. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook the rice for 15 to 18 minutes, until tender.
• Meanwhile, roll the pomegranate on the counter while applying pressure for a minute. Hold the pomegranate over a small pot and cut into it with a small sharp knife; the juice will come rushing out. Squeeze the pomegranate until 3/4 to 1 cup of juice is produced. Add the wine and Worcestershire to the juice, then add the peppercorns, cloves, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and reduce the liquid by half, 6 minutes or so. Pour a little sauce into a small bowl, stir in the cornstarch, and then pour the mixture back into the sauce. Cook to thicken, about 1 minute; remove the whole cloves and bay leaf before serving.
• Arrange the chops on a broiler pan and season with salt and pepper. Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, or only 1 minute on each side for pink centers.
• When the chops go in, heat the EVOO in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir for 2 minutes, then wilt in the spinach and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
• Serve the chops topped with pomegranate sauce, and with saffron pilaf and wilted spinach alongside.

LAMB CHOPS WITH SPINACH RICE PILAF

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil, in pan over medium heat.
• Add spaghetti and toast until deeply golden, about 4 minutes.
• Stir in rice, then stir in 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; season with salt and pepper.
• Cover and bring to a boil; lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
• While rice is working, using a food processor, process the spinach in a paste. STir into the rice and let stand for 2-3 minutes.
• Preheat broiler.
• In small skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons butter over mediume heat. Add shallots, season with salt and pepper and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minutes, then whisk in Worcestershire sauce, pomegranate juice and remaining 1/2 cup chicken broth.
• Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Coat lamb chopse with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Broil, turning once, until browned and medium rare, about 5 minutes.
• Serve with the gravy and rice pilaf.

LAMB CHOPS WITH POMEGRANATE RELISH

Steps:

• Cut orange segments into 1/8-inch pieces over a bowl; collect juice (about 1/3 cup); set orange segments aside. Whisk orange juice, wine, pomegranate concentrate, 2 tablespoons of honey, oil, garlic and oregano in a bowl. Arrange lamb in a 9" x 13" baking dish; pour marinade over lamb. Cover; chill 1 to 2 hours, turning once. Combine cut orange, pomegranate seeds, onion, mint, remaining 1 tablespoon honey and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss gently; chill. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Remove lamb from dish, pat dry and grill to desired doneness (3 minutes per side for medium-rare). Let rest 1 to 2 minutes. Serve topped with relish.