Description
This restaurant-caliber meal merges traditional Icelandic flavors with modern methods of preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lamb Chops
- 1 pound single lamb rib chops, bone in and frenched (about 4 chops)
- 2–1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1–1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Blueberry-Balsamic Reduction
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons shallots, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup blueberry juice, either store-bought or homemade**
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 large or 2 small thyme sprigs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black peper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
For the Lamb Chops
- In small bowl, combine the thyme, garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until combined. Coat the lamb chops with the mixture, massaging it into the meat with your fingers. Refrigerate for about 30-40 minutes.
- In a large frying pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is sizzling hot, sear the lamb chops on all four sides (2 flats sides, top, and bottom) for about 2-3 minutes total (for rare) or for about 4-5 minutes total (for medium).
- Transfer the lamb chops to a serving plate, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and let sit for about 5-7 minutes before serving drizzled with the reduction. While lamb chops are resting, prepare the reduction.
For the Blueberry-Balsamic Reduction
- To make your own blueberry juice, blend 1/4 fresh or frozen blueberries and 1/2 cup water in a blender. When well blended, strain and then use for the reduction.
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil, and sweat the shallots until translucent, about 1 minute. Pour both the balsamic vinegar and blueberry juice into the pan, stir in the sugar and bring to a boil. Add the thyme and allow the liquids to gently boil, reducing for about 7 minutes or until only about 1/2 cup of liquid remains. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and swirl the butter into the pan. Remove the thyme sprigs.
- Serve lamb chops on a bed of cold vegetables (e.g. fresh cucumber noodles made with a melon scraper or lemon zester, blanched peas and cubed carrots) drizzled with the blueberry-balsamic reduction. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main