You won’t often find red meat on my blog. I pretty much gave it up except for use in the occasional stew but when I wrote a piece on Greece for Anita’s fabulous link party, it seemed that lamb would be the perfect fit. Even then, I thought to myself as I was buying it that I’d probably only have a bite or two. Wrong! Loved this, gobbled it!
I ate a fair amount of lamb growing up but as an adult I just didn’t seem to think of buying it. These tasty little loin chops are the perfect way to introduce lamb to your kids for the first time. There are only 2 or 3 bites in each and this simple marinade gave them a wonderful savory flavour.
You can grill these or bake these – whatever you prefer. These ones are baked. If you use this method, make sure you sear them first to ensure you are building the flavour. The minute the meat hits that hot scorching pan, the surface begins to carmelize to give you that yum factor.
Lamb is not marbled (fat in the meat) as is beef. Over half of the fat in lamb is unsaturated. Only 36% of the fat in lamb is saturated. Most of the unsaturated fat is monounsaturated, commonly found in a healthy Mediterranean-type diet.
Lamb contains the fat that is good for you, consumed directly as part of the essential omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA), a liquid unsaturated acid. Most of the lamb’s fat is on the outside edges and is easily trimmed. Only 175 calories, on average, in a 3 ounce serving. This is about 7% of the average caloric intake recommended for a 23-to-50 year old man.
Lamb is an excellent natural source of high quality protein and as a source of easily absorbed iron, an average portion of lamb provides 20% of the RDA intake for men and 12% for women.
The lemon and smoked paprika in the yogurt sauce adds a tasty addition to this dish or you can use tzatziki sauce – always delicious with lamb. If you want that little extra spin on things, you can always make your own yogurt. It’s not as hard as you might think, just check out Yogurt Nerd’s starter culture comparision, for some ideas to get you started. If you have not cooked lamb in awhile, I recommend giving it another try. I will definitely be adding this to my shopping cart more often in the future. Cheers, everyone!
- 12 lamb loin chops
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- juice of one lemon (will need 3 lemons for this recipe)
- salt and pepper
- sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
- LEMON YOGURT SAUCE
- 1 cup Low Fat Greek Yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- dash of smoked paprika
- dash of cumin
- pepper
- In a plastic bag or a baking dish, combine olive oil, garlic, thyme, oregano, rosemary, lemon, salt and pepper; mixing well. Add lamb chops ensuring they are well coated in marinade. If using a baking dish, cover with plastic. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400F
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in oven-safe pan on high heat. Add lamb chops and sear for 3 minutes or until browned on each side.
- Transfer pan to oven and cook for 10 minutes.
- Grill method: Grill 5-6 minutes per side on medium heat.
- Serve with sprigs of mint, lemon wedges and yogurt sauce.
- YOGURT SAUCE
- Combine all ingredients, stirring well. Serve chilled.
48 Comments
Anita Rivera
July 24, 2014 at 11:03 amGood morning Robyn! I LOVE LAMB and even goat…ever had that? My uncle used to dig a hole in the ground at his ranch. The aunties and moms would be inside making fresh flour tortillas, beans and us kids would be riding horses, playing with the pigs and other various farm creatures while we hung out near the pit to watch the men put that goat in the ground in a large can, wrapped in burlap. Hours later, we had the best goat meat you’d ever want to have. We’d eat goat burritos! Lamb too is a great dish that I remember having too.
Dear heart, I want to thank you so much for your participation in the link party. The creativity you all offered was and IS forever memorable. I will be posting tonight or tomorrow to announce the winner of the tea set. Have a glorious summer day! Anita
Robyn
July 24, 2014 at 11:15 amI haven’t had goat, Anita, but I have heard from many people that it is very lean and so delicious! I’d love to try it. I’ve had lamb cooked in the ground and also on a big spit and it was great!
My pleasure to participate in your very creative party, Anita. I’m still visiting and will continue to re-visit over the next while. It is like taking a mini-vacation every day!
Robyn recently posted…Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
John
July 24, 2014 at 11:07 amThey look like good ribs even though they are lamb chops I will have to make them .
Robyn
July 24, 2014 at 11:13 amIt’s an easy recipe, John. I think you’d love them!
Robyn recently posted…Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
La Contessa
July 24, 2014 at 11:08 amLooks D I V I N E!
I shall give it a try!My Italian husband does them on the barbecue normally covered with rosemary,salt.I love the GREEK yogurt idea………which is somewhere I need to visit!Thanks to ANITA I have found YOU!
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Robyn
July 24, 2014 at 11:16 amHi Contessa,
I’m so glad you are following! I loved the addition of the yogurt as well. Have a wonderful day. 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
cheri
July 24, 2014 at 4:27 pmHi Robyn, Wow! Another great dish, this looks amazing, love the yogurt sauce.
cheri recently posted…Grilled Mesquite Salmon with Grilled Zucchini and Green Onions with Lemon and Walnuts
Robyn
July 25, 2014 at 7:12 amThanks so much, Cheri. Love when you visit! OMG, your salmon dish sounds wonderful!
Robyn recently posted…Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Linda
July 24, 2014 at 7:56 pmGreat timing. We just had lamb chops the other night. Great addition with the yogurt. It was the first time I have ever eaten lamb. I think adding the lemon is wonderful. Lots of Love from WW.
Robyn
July 25, 2014 at 7:13 amWow, I can’t believe you haven’t had lamb before, Linda. I love how you are always open to trying new things. Loved our chat the other day, WW. Talk again, soon. xoox
Robyn recently posted…Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Stephanie
July 24, 2014 at 9:13 pmI don’t think I have ever had lamb. . . I have had mountain sheep, but I think it’s way different than a domestic sheep. Anywho, this looks very tasty and I can see why you gobbled it up! I would probably gobble it up too 🙂 Then we could be two gobblers. . .okay, moving on 🙂
Your recipes are always divine, my friend. I’m still waiting for a cookbook to come out. . .
Enjoy the weekend!
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Robyn
July 25, 2014 at 7:28 amI would definitely make sure you buy lamb rather than sheep (mutton), Stephanie. I`m guessing mountain sheep isn`t very fatty but the domestic one can be.
LOL…we both love food so it`s ok to gobble occasionally! I`m still waiting for you to take the pics of my food for the cookbook!
Have a great weekend, my friend.
Robyn recently posted…Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods
July 24, 2014 at 11:20 pmThis looks delicious! I do try to limit the amount of red meat we eat, but I’ve never made lamb. I love your yogurt sauce. I want to try this!
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods recently posted…Meatball Sub Sandwich
Robyn
July 25, 2014 at 9:14 amThanks so much, Cindy. I have a feeling you’ll like the little loin chops if you’ve never made lamb before. Super simple! I just checked out your meatball sub sandwich and I’m salivating! I’m featuring one in a couple of weeks but it’s a little different. Aren’t they just the best!
Robyn recently posted…Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Nina
July 25, 2014 at 5:15 amGood morning, dear, Robyn, I’m away, at seaside. No WIFI! Sorry! As soon as I come back, I’ll visit you!
Beijinhos
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Robyn
July 25, 2014 at 9:15 amNo need for sorry, Nina! Enjoy your vacation and turn off your phone, lol. Hugs.. See you soon 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Jane G
July 25, 2014 at 7:17 amRobyn,
This looks divine and have been meaning to try lamb. Can’t wait to try this!
Jane
Robyn
July 25, 2014 at 9:16 amHiya Jay,
I think you`ll like this cut of lamb and get Tom to grill it. Hope to talk to you this weekend. xoox
Robyn recently posted…Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Shanice
July 25, 2014 at 10:15 amThis looks great! I would love it if you joined and contribute your awesome posts at my link party at City of Creative Dreams, starts on Fridays 😀 Hope to see you there at City of Creative Dreams Link Party.
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Anita Rivera
July 25, 2014 at 12:02 pmHello there dearest Robyn! You are so gracious to respond to me here AND come to my post. It was such a lovely time, leaving me with many emotions that I don’t easily forget, like where I was sitting while I was visiting everyone, how the sun was shining into my studio that Friday the party started, and so on.
Enjoy the rest of your party visits, and a fabulous weekend my friend! Anita
Violetta Cordes
July 25, 2014 at 12:10 pmHello,dear Robyn!
Thank’s a lot for you visit by me and your lovely words:-)))*
You make SOoooooooo much delicious things…..Oh,my!!!
LOVE all different recipes and of course,want to try this one too!
Wish you beautiful weekend:)*
Hugs,
V.
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Robyn
July 25, 2014 at 2:11 pmMy pleasure, Violetta. So glad to hear you are enjoying the blog! Have a wonderful weekend, my new blogging friend. 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
karen
July 25, 2014 at 1:03 pmthis looks so good…I am so trying this.
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Robyn
July 25, 2014 at 2:12 pmThanks, Karen, and thanks for popping by.
Robyn recently posted…Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
pam (Sidewalk Shoes)
July 26, 2014 at 6:57 amThank you for visiting my blog! I am following you now too! I haven’t had lamb in ages, and these look amazing!
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Robyn
July 26, 2014 at 11:42 amThanks so much, Pam. Lamb is one of those meats we forget about and I’m not sure why because it’s so delicious!
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Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg
July 26, 2014 at 8:54 amRobyn, I’m so glad you found my blog because now I found yours and I’m a new follower. These lamb chops? You’re a woman after my culinary heart. 🙂 Yum!
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg recently posted…italian sausage stuffed zucchini
Robyn
July 26, 2014 at 11:43 amThanks so much, Norma, glad you like the recipe. 🙂 I really enjoyed my visit to your site.
Robyn recently posted…My Writing Process Blog Tour
Mrs. AOK
July 26, 2014 at 10:51 amThis looks quite tempting. My husband loves lamb, but I’m still on the fence… you make it look and sounds tasty! I may have to give lamb another try.
XOXO
Mrs. AOK recently posted…Mommy Guilt, Blogger Guilt & Christmas in July
Robyn
July 26, 2014 at 11:44 amTry the little loin chops. I found them to be super tender and tasty. Thanks so much for your visit. 🙂
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Marla
July 27, 2014 at 8:41 amHi Robyn,
This sounds like such a healthy recipe and I love the idea of the lemon yogurt sauce. I have never been a lamb eater but I love all the ingredients in this recipe.Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays.
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Robyn
July 29, 2014 at 9:29 pmThanks, Marla. Now I’m curious about what you eat because I remember you saying you don’t eat shrimp or seafood…and if I recall there are a number of veggies you don’t eat as well. What are you existing on? lol
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Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
July 28, 2014 at 7:45 amMy kids love lamb! I know they would like these! The lemon yogurt sauce sounds divine…I do that a lot too…put lemon or lime in my yogurt for dipping. I’ve never tried paprika though! Yum!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life recently posted…Gluten Free Vegan Sunflower Buttercup Brownies
Robyn
July 29, 2014 at 9:30 pmThis was so simple, Michelle, and they were super tender. I tend to throw paprika in a lot of things, lol. Thanks for your visit!
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Kathy @ Olives & Garlic
July 28, 2014 at 7:43 pmMy hubby and I love lamb. Although we don’t eat red meat that often, lamb is certainly the top choice. These chops look perfect Robyn and I can especially tell how good they must taste with the yogurt sauce. Cant wait to try.
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic recently posted…Simply Succulent Simple Grilled Shrimp
Robyn
July 29, 2014 at 9:28 pmThanks so much, Kathy. I was so surprised – I had really forgotten how good lamb can taste, lol. Thanks for your kind words and visit 🙂
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Chrystal @ YUM eating
July 28, 2014 at 8:04 pmI have a package of lamb chops in the freezer. I am going to have to show this to hubs when he gets back from camp. It sounds so wonderful. Thanks for linking at Yuck Stops Here. Hope to see you again this week!!!!
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Chrystal @ YUM eating
July 29, 2014 at 9:34 amRobyn, I am featuring this recipe on this weeks #stoptheyuck party! 🙂
Chrystal @ YUM eating recently posted…Ending the Day with a Summer Treat
Robyn
July 29, 2014 at 9:40 amThat’s so kind of you, Chrystal! Thanks so much. It’s so funny when I made these, I didn’t think people would really go for them but they’ve turned out to be quite popular. You just never know, lol. Have a great day 🙂
The Yuck Stops Here {18} - YUM eating
July 29, 2014 at 7:02 pm[…] gave the other to him. We still have another package. So, when I saw Robyn’s recipe for Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce I knew I had to try it. I love Greek and Mediterranean inspired dishes. Like I said, she keeps […]
Miz Helen
July 30, 2014 at 5:16 pmThanks so much for sharing your awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you soon!
Pinning your post!
Miz Helen
Robyn
July 31, 2014 at 5:11 amThanks, Miz Helen, and thanks for the pin! Hope you’re having a great week.
Gaye @CalmHealthySexy
July 31, 2014 at 2:51 pmThanks so much for sharing with the Let’s Get Real party.
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July 31, 2014 at 8:11 pm[…] Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce, from Simply Fresh Dinners […]
CJ Huang
August 1, 2014 at 7:46 pmThese lamb chops definitely sound yummy yummy yummy! Lamb with tzatziki sauce is always tasty, and I’m curious to see what your lemon yogurt sauce tastes like. 🙂 I hope you can stop on by and share this or any other recipe with us on Five Friday Finds!
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August 3, 2014 at 7:58 pm[…] Greek Lamb Chops with Lemon Yogurt Sauce by Simply Fresh Dinners […]
Patti
August 6, 2014 at 9:03 amI’ve not had lamb in a very long time. Yours looks delicious and so flavorful,
I’ll be giving this a try soon!
Hugs,
Patti
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