Drakensberg-Inspired Grilled Lamb Chops with Spicy Chakalaka Relish

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

Juicy grilled lamb chops served with a vibrant South African chakalaka relish, blending spicy peppers, tomatoes, and beans for a hearty and colorful meal. This african-inspired lamb ready in about 40 minutes pairs chops (about 1.5 lbs) lamb chops, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 20 min Serves 4 African cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Rub 8 lamb chops evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Grill lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side until medium-rare or desired doneness, letting them rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
  3. Step 3: While lamb grills, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 minced green chili, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup canned baked beans, 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tbsp white vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve the grilled lamb chops topped with the spicy chakalaka relish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Drakensberg-Inspired Grilled Lamb Chops with Spicy Chakalaka Relish take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Drakensberg-Inspired Grilled Lamb Chops with Spicy Chakalaka Relish?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Drakensberg-Inspired Grilled Lamb Chops with Spicy Chakalaka Relish?

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 Drakensberg-Inspired Grilled Lamb Chops with Spicy Chakalaka Relish 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 Drakensberg-Inspired Grilled Lamb Chops with Spicy Chakalaka Relish?

African lamb 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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