Onion and Garlic Marinated Lamb Chops

So, my girlfriend really hates, HATES, the taste of lamb. I've also recently discovered that people have some hang ups about the meat, thinking that it is inhumane to eat lamb. I promise, lamb is the most humanely raised animal that we commonly consume. The lamb is allowed to roam and grass feed before it is slaughtered. Also, unlike many other animals, we use the whole lamb. It's not only humane, it's efficient... and a little gamey. I like that though.

So, I was making dinner for just myself this week and I went to the butcher and bought two inexpensive shoulder cut lamb chops. They're large and cost only $4/lb. The meat is a little tougher than rib chops and the taste is gamier, but I'm always up for that.

The recipe is really simple. All you have to do is grate half of a large onion and two cloves of garlic in to a bowl, chop some rosemary and throw in cumin, olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper. Toss in the lamb chops, cover them with the mixture, and let them sit for at least an hour.

After the hour is up, preheat your broiler, scape off the lamb chops and broil them. You want to go for about 4-5 minutes on each side, that will give you medium rare chops. I strongly recommend against going above medium. Let's say 10 minutes total in the broiler tops.

Let me tell you, it doesn't look like that marinade will do much, but it really flavors the lamb all the way through. It's probably the strength of the rosemary and the pungency of grated onion and garlic. It's one of those very warm meat dishes that's great for the winter.

I served it (to myself) with some brussel sprouts, cooked in a pan, and cheesy cous cous. Cous cous is a serious staple for me: it's just so easy and yummy. It's also a lot of fun to play with.

Onion and Garlic Marinated Lamb Chops (inspired by Mark Bittman's recipe in "How to Cook Everything")

2 lamb chops (shoulder or rib)

1/2 large onion, grated

2 cloves garlic, grated

1-2 tbsp olive oil

1 - 1 1/2 tbsp cumin

2-3 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

2-3 tbsp lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine grated onion, garlic, oil, cumin, rosemary lemon juice, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Place lamb chops in the bowl and use your hands to cover the chops in the mixture. Let marinate for at least 1 hour.

2. Remove the chops from the mixture, scraping off any that is stuck to the meat and preheat a broiler.

3. Place the lamb chops in a broiling pan and stick under the broiler. Broil for 4-5 minutes, then flip and place back under the broiler for another 4-5 minutes. Total cooking time should not exceed 10 or 11 minutes.

4. Remove from broiler, let rest for about 5 minutes, then enjoy.