Minted Lamb Chops with Cucumber Relish

Classic combination of lamb and mint for this supper dish. Lamb chops and cutlets in a minted marinade with a fresh cucumber relish.

Prep Time: 25 mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 8 lean lamb loin chops or cutlets
  • 450g lean lamb mince
  • 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon ground mace
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon juniper berries, crushed
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons currants
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 2 large cucumber, peeled and cut into thin slices
  • 2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
  • 2 sticks of celery, finely diced
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
  • 6 late season tomatoes quartered
  • 150ml white wine
  • 200ml good, hot chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 handful freshly chopped marjoram or flat-parsley

Method

  1. To prepare the marinade; mix all the ingredients together. Place the lamb in a shallow dish, spoon over the marinade and coat on both sides. Cover and marinate for up to 1 hour.
  2. To prepare the relish; heat the butter in a large non-stick frying pan and cook the shallots for 2-3 minutes. Add the cucumber, nutmeg and seasoning and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes.
  3. Add the stock and thyme. Cover and simmer for a further 5 minutes.
  4. Cook the chops under a preheated grill for 12-16 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. Serve the chops with the relish and cooked new potatoes.