Olive and Almond Crusted Lamb Chops
Okay, so hear us out on this one. Lamb, olives, and almonds? It might sound like a weird combination, but trust us, it's totally delicious. The lamb is juicy and flavorful, the olives add a salty, briny flavor, and the almonds give it a nice crunch. Plus, it's super easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.
This recipe was actually inspired by a dish we had at a restaurant in Spain. We were on a food tour and we stumbled upon this little hole-in-the-wall place that served the most amazing lamb chops we'd ever had. They were so juicy and flavorful, and the flavors were just incredible. We asked the chef how he made them, and he told us his secret: olives and almonds. We were skeptical at first, but we decided to give it a try and we were so glad we did. The lamb chops were even better than we remembered! We've been making them ever since and they're always a hit with our friends and family.
Olive and Almond Crusted Lamb Chops Olive and Almond Crusted Lamb Chops Olive and Almond Crusted Lamb Chops Olive and Almond Crusted Lamb Chops
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Lamb chops (12 ounces)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
  • Rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Pitted olives (1/2 cup, chopped)
  • Almonds (1/2 cup, chopped)
  • Lemon wedges (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the lamb chops, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and black pepper. Toss to coat.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the olives and almonds.
  4. Press the olive and almond mixture onto the lamb chops, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
  5. Place the lamb chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
  7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  8. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.
Why It Works
  • The combination of lamb, olives, and almonds is a classic flavor combination that works well because the flavors complement each other. The lamb is rich and flavorful, the olives add a salty, briny flavor, and the almonds give it a nice crunch.
  • The lamb chops are cooked in the oven at a high temperature, which helps to create a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
  • The lamb chops are marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and black pepper, which helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat.