Spring is the perfect time to fire up the grill and savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of the season. For a delicious spring meal that pairs beautifully with our Orange Wine, try this recipe for grilled lamb chops. With a simple marinade of fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic, the lamb chops are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Pair them with a glass of our Orange Wine for a match made in heaven!
Grilled Lamb Chops with Lemon-Herb Marinade
Ingredients: For the Lamb Chops:
- 8 lamb chops, frenched (about 2 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon-Herb Marinade:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, mint, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Lamb Chops:
- Place the lamb chops in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the lamb chops, ensuring each chop is well coated.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
3. Grill the Lamb Chops:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the lamb chops from the marinade and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness.
- Let the lamb chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Serve:
- Arrange the lamb chops on a platter and garnish with extra rosemary, thyme, or mint.
- Serve with your favorite spring sides, such as roasted asparagus or a fresh spring salad.
Wine Pairing: Nomadica’s Orange Wine
About Nomadica's Orange Wine:
- Nomadica’s Orange Wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Albarino and Gruner Veltliner, crafted using skin contact fermentation for a vibrant and unique flavor profile.
- Tasting Notes: Pineapple, jackfruit, honey and a hint of citrus zest with a pleasantly tannic finish.
- Pairing Profile: The wine’s fruit-forward flavors and tannins complement the lamb chops' savory notes and balance the herbaceous marinade.
Why It Works:
- Acidity & Tannins: The bright acidity and light tannins in the orange wine cut through the lamb’s richness while enhancing the flavors of the fresh herbs and lemon.
- Aromatic Flavors: The wine’s stone fruit and citrus notes complement the marinade's lemon zest and garlic, creating a harmonious pairing.
We're always on the hunt for the BEST food and wine pairings, and orange wine is one of our fav food-friendly sippers. Pairing it alongside grilled lamb chops makes for an unforgettable spring meal. Whether you're entertaining friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe will impress with its simple yet sophisticated flavors. So, uncork a can of our Orange Wine, fire up the grill, and celebrate the flavors of spring in style!