Lamb Chops with Mint Almond Pesto

Recipe courtesy Claire Robinson, Food Network

Prep: 15 min
Inactive Prep: 5 min
Cook: 6 min
Total: 26 min

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups packed fresh mint leaves, from about 2 large bunches
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 lemon, zested, plus juice of 1/2 lemon, about 2 tablespoons
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grilling
• 2 tablespoons water
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 12 lamb rib chops, Frenched, about 2 pounds

Directions

Put the mint, almonds, zest, and a pinch of salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, add the lemon juice and slowly drizzle in the oil until thick and smooth.

Add about 2 tablespoons water until a thick but spreadable paste forms; continue adding water until desired consistency. Taste pesto and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Generously drizzle the lamb chops with oil and season well with salt and pepper.

Grill, turning once, 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare; remove to a serving platter and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve the grilled chops with mint pesto drizzled over the top.