Roasted North African Spiced Lamb Chops

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

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. 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 Mediterranean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Rub the marinade evenly over 8 lamb chops, coating both sides. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Remove lamb chops from the oven and rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with the mint yogurt sauce.

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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.

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