Braised Lamb Chops with Onions & Potatoes – a recipe that holds a special place in my heart. This dish, inspired by my dad’s cooking, infuses tender marinated lamb chops with a blend of spices and yogurt, accompanied by crispy potato wedges and the sweetness of caramelized onions.
INGREDIENTS
Marinade:
- 10-12 Lamb Chops
- 3 Tablespoons Yoghurt
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 8-10 Mint Leaves
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Ginger & Garlic Paste
- 1/2 Teaspoon Dhania & Jeera Powder
- 3 Tablespoons Masala Spice Blend
Whole Spices:
- 1/2 Teaspoon Jeera Seeds (Cumin)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Fennel Seeds
- 1 Dried Red Chilli
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 Cloves
- 2 Elachi Pods (Cardamom)
Other Ingredients:
- 2-3 Onions, Sliced
- 1 Sprig Curry Leaves
- 2 Sprigs Thyme
- 2 Large Potatoes, Cut into Wedges
- 1/2 Tomato, Diced
- Fresh Coriander, for Garnish
METHOD
1. Marinating the Lamb Chops:
Begin by marinating the lamb chops. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, mint leaves, ginger and garlic paste, salt, pepper, dhania & jeera powder, and the flavourful masala spice blend. Coat the lamb chops thoroughly in this marinade and let them rest for at least an hour.
2. Infusing the Spices:
In a pot over medium heat, add the whole spices – cumin seeds, fennel seeds, dried red chilli, bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom pods. Allow them to sizzle and release their fragrant aromas for 1-2 minutes.
3. Searing the Lamb Chops:
Introduce a drizzle of olive oil to the pot and gently place the marinated lamb chops. Sear them on both sides until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust.
4. Adding Layers of Flavour:
As the lamb chops reach their halfway point of cooking, add thyme, sliced onions, curry leaves, potato wedges, and diced tomatoes into the pot. Give everything a good mix to combine the flavours. (You can also deep fry the potato wedges.)
5. Simmer to Perfection:
Let the ingredients simmer together, allowing the lamb chops to cook to perfection while the potatoes turn crispy and the onions caramelise, creating a symphony of tastes and textures.
6. Final Touch:
Before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped coriander for a burst of freshness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate up the fragrant braised lamb chops alongside your favourite bread.