Lamb Chops with Spinach Rice Pilaf
Pomegranate adds a burst of flavor to this gourmet meal. Serve with sliced sautéed chicken if lamb is not your thing.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), divided
- A handful of thin spaghetti (about 1/2 pound), broken into pieces
- 1 cup white rice
- 3 cups chicken stock
- Salt and pepper
- 1 package spinach (9 ounces), stemmed
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 8 lamb rib chops
Preparation
In a medium size saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon EVOO, one turn of the pan, over medium heat. Add the spaghetti and toast until deeply golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in the rice, then stir in 2 1/2 cups chicken stock; season with salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil; lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
While the rice is working, using a food processor, process the spinach into a paste. Stir into the rice and let stand for 2-3 minutes.
Pre-heat the broiler.
In a small skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the shallots, season with salt and pepper and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, pomegranate juice and remaining 1/2 cup chicken stock. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Coat the lamb chops with the remaining 1 tablespoon EVOO and season with salt and pepper. Broil, turning once, until browned and medium-rare, about 5 minutes. Serve with the gravy and rice pilaf.
