Ingredients:
- Lamb chops: 4, trimmed of excess fat
- Tea Rubs: 2 tablespoons (a blend of black tea leaves, ground rosemary, ground thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes)
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Red onion: 1, thinly sliced
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Mixed salad greens: 4 cups
- Balsamic vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Crumbled feta cheese: 1/2 cup (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves: a handful, torn
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, ground rosemary, ground thyme, and red pepper flakes. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Season the Lamb Chops: Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of the lamb chops with the tea rubs, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Lamb Chops: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lamb chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove the lamb chops from the skillet and let them rest on a plate.
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and shake well to emulsify the dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the red onion, cherry tomatoes, and mixed salad greens. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all the greens are coated.
- Slice and Add the Lamb: Thinly slice the rested lamb chops and add them to the salad. Toss lightly to combine.
- Serve: Crumble the feta cheese over the salad and scatter the fresh mint leaves on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the lamb, complementing its natural richness.
- You can customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or additional ingredients such as grilled vegetables, nuts, or dried fruits.
- This Lamb Chop Salad with Tea Rubs is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a special occasion. The addition of tea rubs creates a refreshing and memorable culinary experience.