Northern Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt
Juicy lamb chops seasoned with a warming northern spice blend, complemented by a cool, tangy mint yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 20 minutes pairs Ground cumin, Ground coriander, Smoked sea salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 6 chops (about 1 inch thick) Lamb loin chops
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Smoked sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp finely chopped Fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 minced Garlic clove
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked sea salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice blend evenly over 6 lamb loin chops (about 1 inch thick).
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the lamb chops and sear for 4 minutes on the first side until a rich brown crust forms.
- Step 3: Flip the chops and cook for an additional 3 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if desired. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl until smooth and fragrant.
- Step 5: Serve the lamb chops topped with a dollop of the mint yogurt sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Northern Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Northern Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?
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 ground cumin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Northern Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?
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 Northern Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Northern Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt?
Mediterranean 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.
