Roasted North African Spiced Lamb Chops
Tender lamb chops roasted with a fragrant blend of North African spices, served with a cooling yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 35 minutes pairs about 3 oz each lamb chops, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces, about 3 oz each lamb chops
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create a spice marinade.
- Step 2: Rub the marinade evenly over 8 lamb chops, coating both sides. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Arrange the lamb chops on a rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes until medium-rare, flipping halfway through.
- Step 4: While the lamb roasts, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint for a cooling sauce.
- Step 5: Remove lamb chops from the oven and rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with the mint yogurt sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted North African Spiced Lamb Chops 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 Roasted North African Spiced Lamb Chops?
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 about 3 oz each lamb chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted North African Spiced Lamb Chops?
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 Roasted North African Spiced Lamb Chops 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 Roasted North African Spiced Lamb Chops?
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.