A delicious, elegant meal is easier than you think! Savory grilled Lamb Lollipops, brushed with Mint Aioli, are perfect for entertaining.
What are lamb lollipops (lollipop lamb chops)?
Lamb Lollipops, also known as French lamb chops, are trimmed lamb cutlets where the bone has been cleaned of meat and fat, leaving a clean bone "handle" for easy eating. They make a lovely presentation for a plated dinner or an easy to eat finger food.
Like our Grilled Ribeye Steak, this recipe is surprisingly simple, even though it looks gourmet. We season the chops and grill them to bring out the flavor. Then we brush them with a savory mint aioli. You can't get better than that.
Serve them with: Roasted Carrots and Radishes (recipe below), Creamy Mashed Potatoes, and String Beans with Crispy Prosciutto.
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Ingredients
- LAMB CHOPS: ask the butcher for Frenched lamb chops (or lollipop lamb chops)
- OLIVE OIL: use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can afford
- FRESH MINT: fresh mint leaves
- GARLIC CLOVES: fresh garlic cloves
- FRESH THYME: this herb adds complex flavor
- CARROTS: we like tri-color carrots as a side dish. See recipe card below, or use our Balsamic Glazed Carrots recipe.
- FRESH RADISHES: red radishes or white radishes look beautiful with this dish
- RED ONIONS: red baby onions or red pearl onions look great
- SALT: kosher salt or sea salt
- BLACK PEPPER: freshly ground black pepper
*see recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- GRILL: Salt and pepper both sides of chops and brush with olive oil and cook on grill (3 minutes each side).
- MAKE MINT AIOLI: While lamb is cooking, prepare sauce by crushing mint, garlic and thyme in a mortar or place in food processor. Add oil and thyme and mix until well blended. Salt and pepper to taste.
- LET IT REST: When the lamb is done, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- SERVE: place lamb on a serving plate and drizzle with mint aioli. Serve vegetables in a side dish.
- PAIR: with a great red wine like Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon.
Top tip
We buy Frenched lamb chops because they are already cleaned and the majority of fat is removed. A simple sauce made of mint, garlic, and thyme accents the flavor of the lamb perfectly.
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How to cook lamb chops
- GRILLED LAMB CHOPS: We prefer grilling lamb chops, as it is super simple and brings out the flavor beautifully. It's also less mess in the kitchen. Season with salt and pepper, brush with olive oil, and grill each side for about 3 minutes.
- PAN SEARED LAMB CHOPS: you can also cook chops in a cast iron skillet heated with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, and sear each side for 4 to 5 minutes.
Storage
- Store: wrap leftover lamb lollipops tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Freeze: wrap leftover lamb lollipops tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: thaw lamb lollipops to room temperature. Heat in sauté pan or in the microwave until warm.
Wine pairing
An elevated dish like this deserves a truly special, full bodied Cab. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon just that. Its velvety, layered flavor perfectly complements the expertly seasoned lamb.
What to serve with Lamb Chops
FAQ
Lamb Lollipops, also known as French lamb chops, are cuts of lamb taken from the rib chops or loin chops, leaving a clean bone "handle" for easy eating. This cut is prized for its tenderness and succulent flavor.
Lamb lollipops can typically be found at specialty butcher shops, high-end grocery stores, or online meat suppliers that offer quality cuts of lamb.
Yes, lamb lollipops can be prepared in advance by marinating or seasoning them ahead of time and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. They can also be cooked partially and finished later for convenience.
Lamb lollipops can be cooked using various methods such as grilling, pan-searing, or roasting. Lamb lollipops taste best when cooked medium rare (seared on the outside and slightly pink in the middle). This is an internal temperature of 130-135°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature if you are unsure.
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Lamb Lollipops recipe
An delicious, elegant meal is easier than you think! French Cut Lamb Chops with Mint Aioli are simple to make and great for entertaining.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Frenched lamb chops
- ½ C olive oil
- ½ C fresh mint
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme
- 8 oz fresh tri-colored carrots
- 8 oz fresh radishes
- 8 oz red baby onions, peeled
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F.
- Cut carrots on a bias in 1" pieces.
- Cut radishes in half.
- Combine carrots and radishes in a bowl and coat with 2 tablespoon oil, salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a baking sheet and add red onions.
- Place in oven and roast for 15 minutes.
- Salt and pepper both sides of chops and brush with olive oil and cook on grill (3 minutes each side).
- While lamb is cooking, prepare sauce by crushing mint, garlic and thyme in a mortar or place in food chopper.
- Add oil and thyme and mix until well blended. Salt and pepper to taste.
- When the lamb is done, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- To serve: place lamb on a serving plate and drizzle with mint aioli.
- Serve vegetables in a side dish and pair with a great wine.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: entrées
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 chops
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5.2 g
- Sodium: 841.5 mg
- Fat: 21.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.8 g
- Protein: 48.3 g
- Cholesterol: 207 mg
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