Week Two: Herbes de Provence-Crusted Lamb Chops

This week, I wasn't certain what exactly I wanted to cook.  So I consulted with my friend, Sam, who challenged me to use Lamb as my ingredient.  I was immediately up for the challenge.  I absolutely LOVE lamb and don't eat it all that frequently.  It's odd how it is a staple in so many cultures, yet in the US, we rarely eat lamb.  I was out shopping and bought some lamb chops.  I then scoured my cookbooks for recipes.

To my absolute DELIGHT one of my cookbooks had two very promising looking recipes.  Each was easily adaptable to cook for one, which was even more exciting.  Even better, I'll be making a second lamb dish tomorrow, as I have more lamb chops.  There will be TWO new lamb recipes this week.  AWESOME!

Herbes de Provence-Crusted Lamb Chops
2 Tbs Dijon Mustard
1 Tbs Herbes de Provence
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt (I used sea salt)
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
8-four ounce lamb loin chops

1.  Prepare Grill
2.  Combine first five ingredients, massage into the lamb chops
3.  Place lamb on grill rack coated with cooking spray.  Grill 4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.  Makes four servings (two lamb chops each).
NI:  220 calories, 10g fat, 29g protein, 2g carbohydrates, 1g fiber

Even better, the recipe specified SIDES to go with it!  Accompanying the deliciousness was Grilled Red Potatoes with Mint and steamed green beans.

Grilled Red Potatoes with Mint
Prepare grill, toss 1.5lbs potatoes with 1 tsp salt and 2 tsp olive oil.  Place potatoes on grill 1/2 inch apart.  Grill 15 minutes, then turn potatoes and grill another 15 minutes.  Cool slightly.  Cut potatoes in half and toss with 1/3 cup freshly chopped mint. 

Yup, I cooked all of that.  And let me tell you, it was fan-freaking-tastic!!!  Amazing.  All of it.  I tried the beans first - they were fresh green beans steamed, then tossed with EVOO, salt, and pepper.  Pretty standard veggie prep in my world.  They were good, but very average in my world.  I enjoy green beans.  I enjoyed these beans. 

Next, the potatoes.  Delish!!!  VERY tasty.  I never would have thought to toss mint with potatoes.  I did turn out microwaving the potatoes for a few minutes as they didn't really soften, and I was super hungry and the meat was almost done.  They were nicely grilled on the outside and a little crunchy with nice soft potato centers.  Yum!

And then... the Lamb.  Oh-my-gracious.  I hardly have the words to explain just how incredible the lamb was.  I want more.  Now.  I'm almost tempted to forgo tomorrow's recipe to make this one again.  But given I've purchased the ingredients, I'll make the second lamb dish.  The best part, though, was the pairing of everything.  SO GOOD.  The mint in the potatoes was very complimentary to the lamb.  It was all just wonderful in so many ways.  By far my favorite dish in a while.  This absolutely without a doubt WILL be made again.

Best.  Dinner.  EVER.