Turkish Style Lamb Chops Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 lamb rib chops
• 1 tablespoon black tea powder
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt (optional, for serving)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Black Tea Marinade:

• In a small bowl, mix the black tea powder with the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain and let it cool. This mixture will be used to marinate the lamb chops.

Marinate the Lamb Chops:

• Place the lamb chops in a shallow dish and pour the cooled black tea marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.

Prepare the Spice Mixture:

• In a small bowl, mix the ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and dried mint. Set aside.

Season the Lamb Chops:

• Remove the lamb chops from the marinade and pat them dry. Rub both sides of the lamb chops with the spice mixture, pressing gently to ensure the spices adhere.

Grill the Lamb Chops:

• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
• Grill the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Baste the chops with any remaining marinade during the last few minutes of grilling.

Prepare the Pan Sauce (Optional):

• If you'd like a sauce, in the same grill pan, add the olive oil and sauté the sliced onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Stir in the red wine (if using) and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the wine is reduced by half.
• Stir in the yogurt (if using) and cook until heated through, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

• Transfer the grilled lamb chops to a serving platter. Drizzle with the pan sauce (if made) and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
• Serve the lamb chops with lemon wedges on the side for a squeeze of freshness.
• Enjoy your Turkish Style Lamb Chops with a hint of black tea flavor, perfect for a special dinner or a festive occasion. The tender lamb and aromatic spices create a delicious and satisfying meal.