Lamb Lollipops (Recipe)

Lamb lollipops are a delicious and easy-to-prepare appetizer or meal. They are incredibly flavorful and can be cooked quickly on a grill or skillet. These lamb chops, also known as lamb lollipops or scottadito, are a hit at parties and can be served by themselves or paired with sautéed greens. The recipe calls for 3 racks of lamb that have been frenched and cut into chops. The chops are seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs, and then cooked to a perfect medium temperature. Serve with a wedge of lemon for added zest.

Key Takeaways:

• Lamb lollipops are a flavorful and easy appetizer or meal.
• They can be cooked quickly on a grill or skillet.
• Seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs, they offer a gourmet flavor.
• Pair with sautéed greens or serve alone as a tasty treat.
• Top with a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Make Lamb Lollipops

Making lamb lollipops is simple and easy. Follow these steps to prepare this delicious dish:

1. Start by asking your butcher for 3 racks of lamb that have been frenched and cut into chops.
2. Trim off most of the fat, leaving just a thin layer.
3. Season the chops with salt, pepper, garlic, and your choice of fresh herbs.
4. Let the chops marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. When ready to cook, heat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
6. Cook the chops for about 5 minutes total, or until they reach a perfect medium temperature.
7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chops and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Follow these simple steps to prepare and cook lamb lollipops to perfection. This savory dish is sure to impress your guests and elevate your culinary skills. Enjoy!

The Best Way to Cook Lamb

Lamb lollipops can be cooked in two ways – on a hot grill or a smoking hot skillet. Both methods yield delicious results. If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chops for about 5 minutes total. If using a skillet, heat it over medium-high heat and cook the chops for the same amount of time.

The key is to cook the lamb to a perfect medium temperature. Lamb is incredibly flavorful and can be enjoyed with just salt and pepper, but adding garlic and fresh herbs enhances the taste even more.

It’s important to let the chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Tips for Cooking Lamb Lollipops:

• Let the lamb chops come to room temperature before cooking.
• Use a heavy-bottomed frying pan or cast iron skillet for skillet cooking.
• Preheat the grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
• Season the chops with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
• Let the chops marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
• Sear the chops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they reach a perfect medium temperature.
• Let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Use a digital thermometer to ensure accurate cooking times and desired doneness.

The recommended internal temperature for lamb lollipops is medium to medium-rare (135-140°F).

Cooking Method Comparison:

Ingredients and Instructions for Lamb Lollipops

To make delicious lamb lollipops, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 racks of lamb frenched and cut into chops
• Coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 lemon cut into wedges

Now let’s dive into the cooking instructions:

1. Liberally sprinkle the lamb chops with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and a pinch of salt.
3. Add the olive oil to the bowl and whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Pour the marinade over the lamb chops, making sure to coat each chop thoroughly.
5. Cover the chops and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
6. Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat or preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
7. Sear the lamb chops until they are browned on both sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes in total for a medium to medium-rare doneness.
8. Transfer the cooked chops to a platter.
9. Squeeze a lemon wedge over the top of the lamb lollipops to add a refreshing zest.
10. If desired, sprinkle a little more sea salt on top before serving.
11. Serve the lamb lollipops immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Cooking Lamb Lollipops

When it comes to cooking lamb lollipops, a few tips and tricks can help you achieve delicious results every time. Whether you prefer cooking lamb in a skillet or on a grill, these tips will ensure that your lamb chops turn out tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

1. Let the lamb chops come to room temperature before cooking: Allowing the lamb chops to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking will ensure even cooking and juicier results.
2. Use a heavy-bottomed frying pan or cast iron skillet for skillet cooking: A heavy-bottomed pan or skillet will distribute heat evenly and prevent the lamb from sticking or burning.
3. Preheat the grill or skillet to medium-high heat: This will give the lamb chops a nice sear and help lock in the juices and flavors.
4. Season the chops with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs: A simple seasoning of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors of the lamb. Add your favorite herbs like rosemary, thyme, or mint for an extra aromatic touch.
5. Let the chops marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight: Marinating the lamb chops allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. For the best results, marinate the chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
6. Sear the chops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they reach a perfect medium temperature: Lamb is best enjoyed medium to medium-rare, with an internal temperature of 135-140°F. Use a digital thermometer to ensure accurate cooking times and desired doneness.
7. Let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving: Allow the lamb chops to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to cook delicious lamb lollipops in a skillet or on a grill with confidence. The end result will be tender, juicy chops that are bursting with flavor. So fire up your grill or heat up your skillet, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Conclusion

Lamb lollipops are a delicious and elegant dish that can be enjoyed as either an appetizer or a main course. With their flavorful taste and quick cooking time, they are the perfect choice for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. This easy appetizer recipe calls for simple ingredients such as salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs, which enhance the natural flavors of the lamb.

Whether you choose to grill the lamb lollipops or cook them on a skillet, they are guaranteed to impress your guests with their gourmet taste and presentation. The juicy and tender meat, combined with the aromatic herbs, creates a tantalizing flavor profile that will leave everyone craving for more. Serve these luscious lamb lollipops with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a zing of citrusy freshness to each bite.

So, if you’re looking to elevate your appetizer game or create a memorable gourmet lamb dish, then give this lamb lollipops recipe a try. Its simplicity and elegance make it a crowd-pleasing dish that will surely impress. With just a few key ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a savory and delectable lamb appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to wow your guests with this extraordinary dish!