Berbere Roasted Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy lamb chops rubbed with fiery berbere spice and roasted to perfection, served with a cooling yogurt and cucumber sauce. This African recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs lamb chops, berbere spice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp berbere spice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to form a paste.
  2. Step 2: Rub the berbere paste evenly over 8 lamb chops, coating all sides; let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the lamb chops on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
  4. Step 4: While the lamb roasts, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint in a bowl; stir until well blended and chilled.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lamb chops from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with the spiced yogurt sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Berbere Roasted Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Berbere Roasted Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lamb chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Berbere Roasted Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Berbere Roasted Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Berbere Roasted Lamb Chops with Spiced Yogurt Sauce?

Ethiopian african like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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