Lamb chops with smoky eggplant salad
A quick, Moroccan-inspired dish that’s great for entertaining friends and family. This delicious recipe combines juicy lamb chops with a smoky eggplant salad for a flavorful and satisfying meal. The lamb chops are seasoned with a blend of Moroccan spices, resulting in deliciously flavorful and tender meat. The smoky eggplant salad adds a unique touch with its smoky flavors and refreshing ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to enjoy a special meal with loved ones, this Lamb Chops with Smoky Eggplant Salad recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant, thinly sliced lengthwise
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 lamb chops or chops, trimmed of fat
- Squeeze out lemon juice
- Pinch of paprika
- 2 tsp chopped dill
- 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Tip
Make double
Make double the amount
Stuff eggplant and pittas
Hummus for lunch the next day.For a spicy note
Turkish-style eggplant: Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, spread over the eggplant and fry on the grill. Mix a 200g cup of Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice and 1 tbsp of mint sauce
and a handful of chopped mint. Season and then serve with lamb, salad and flatbread.
Preparation steps
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat.
- Brush the eggplant slices with oil.
- Season the eggplant slices with salt and pepper.
- Fry the eggplant slices until browned on both sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the eggplant slices from the heat and tear or chop them into small pieces.
- Season the torn or chopped eggplant with salt and pepper.
- Grill the lamb chops for 4 minutes on each side to create a pink center.
- In a bowl, stir together the lemon juice, paprika and half of the dill to make a dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the eggplant and toss to combine.
- Divide the dressed eggplant between two plates.
- Place the grilled lamb chops on top of the eggplant.
- Scatter pine nuts and remaining dill over the lamb chops.
- Serve the lamb chops with smoky eggplant salad, a side salad and pita bread.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 424 | 33g | 9g | 4g | 4g | 4g | 27g | 0.19g |
Equipment and tools
- cutting board
- Knife
- grill pan
- Bowl
- measuring spoon
- Toaster
Allergen information
This recipe contains nuts and dairy products. Please exercise caution if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Storage and leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in a pan or in the oven.
Health Benefits of Lamb Chops with Smoky Eggplant Salad
Lamb chops with smoky eggplant salad are not only a delicious dish but also offer several health benefits. From providing essential nutrients to supporting various aspects of your well-being, this dish can be a nutritious addition to your diet. Let’s explore some of the health benefits it offers:
1. Nutrient-rich eggplant
The main ingredient in this recipe, eggplant, is packed with essential nutrients. It’s a good source of fiber, which supports digestive health and can keep you feeling fuller for longer. Eggplants are also rich in vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and folic acid, which are important for maintaining overall health and supporting various body functions.
2. Lean and high quality protein
The lamb chops or chops included in this dish are a good source of lean protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissue, promoting muscle growth, and supporting a healthy immune system. Eating lean protein can also help you feel full and curb cravings, which is beneficial for weight control.
3. Healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts
The recipe calls for olive oil and toasted pine nuts, both sources of healthy fats. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol and support heart health. Pine nuts, on the other hand, provide polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which have positive effects on brain function and heart health.
4. Antioxidant properties
The combination of eggplant, olive oil and various herbs used in this dish provides antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals and can contribute to overall well-being. Including antioxidant-rich foods like eggplant and herbs like dill and mint in your diet can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Overall, lamb chops with smoky eggplant salad provide a combination of essential nutrients, lean protein, healthy fats, and antioxidant properties. It can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals and support your overall health and well-being.
