LAMB CHOPS WITH EVERYTHING-BAGEL YOGURT AND CHICKPEAS

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• INGREDIENT

  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1/2 pound carrots, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices on a bias
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 7 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds
  • 2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 8 1-inch-thick lamb rib or loin chops (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons harissa paste (depending on heat and saltiness)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, such as grape seed
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Season the lamb chops with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; set aside.

In a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and sauté until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add carrots and saute until softened and starting to brown, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, 2 teaspoons harissa, cumin, and paprika and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute more. Add broth and scrape up brown bits from bottom of pan. Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more harissa if desired.

In a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat, heat vegetable oil. Sear chops, working in batches if necessary, 3 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium rare.

Mix yogurt with lemon juice. Gently fold in 1 tablespoon everything-bagel-spiced olive oil.

To serve, spoon the chickpea mixture onto the plate. Top each chop with a dollop of yogurt. Finish with an additional drizzle of the spiced oil. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

cook's note:

The everything-bagel-flavored oil can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 month.