Simple Spiced Lamb Chops Recipe

While these spiced lamb chops may be pretty simple and straightforward to cook, the main ingredient (besides the lamb) may be something that you're not familiar with. It's a spice called sumac — no, not the poison kind that gives you a rash (the plants are related, but not identical). Instead, this kind of sumac is a seasoning that recipe developer Susan Olayinka describes as having a "sour, citrusy flavor that's a bit sweet." She also says that it "gives the lamb a nice, flavorful kick."

Your best bet for finding sumac of the non-itchy variety is to shop at a grocery specializing in Middle Eastern products as Olayinka notes that it's "really common in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine." Should you be unable to find it, though, lemon pepper makes a great substitute for sumac, while za'atar will give you a somewhat similar Middle Eastern flavor. You could also just cook the lamb chops as directed here using any other seasonings you happen to prefer. Your lamb chops will still be, as Olayinka puts it, "full of flavor and so easy to make."

Preheat the oven to 375 F, then combine the dry seasonings and rub them all over the lamb chops along with the oil. Put the chops on a baking sheet. Olayinka likes to line the baking sheet with parchment paper and says using it here "helps to keep things tidy" and "makes cleanup easier," but if you do use it, be sure to remove it before you broil the chops as it's only heat-proof up to 450 F and can parchment paper can catch fire at a higher temperature. You can use foil instead of paper to prevent this hazard, or you can just skip this step as it's not really necessary. Better to spend an extra few seconds scrubbing off any baked-on spice than to risk a kitchen fire.

While Olayinka likes to garnish her lamb chops with green herbs and lemon slices, you're probably going to want a few side dishes if you're planning to make a meal out of them. Lamb chops, after all, are pretty darn tiny, so even with two chops per person, you'll still need something more on your plate.

Olayinka says you can serve salad or cooked vegetables with these chops, but adds "If you're looking for something a bit heartier, you could also serve them with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes." Rice pilaf would be another great choice as this would be in keeping with the Middle Eastern theme assuming you've been able to find sumac or za'atar.