| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 463 | 30g | 11g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 38g | 0.4g |
Introducing a personal favorite: the Cuban Oregano Marinated Lamb Chops. This dish, alive with zesty citrus flavors and aromatic Cuban oregano, takes center stage in my repertoire of creative culinary adventures. Infusing the succulence of lamb with a bold, fruit-forward marinade, this recipe encapsulates the warmth of the South with a unique, tropical twist.
A Twist on Tradition
Inspired by my Texan upbringing where Tex-Mex flavors are a gastronomical gospel, I’ve always relished in the kitchen, introducing traditional recipes with a modern spin. The Cuban Oregano Marinated Lamb Chops is one such unconventional meet-up — it beautifully melds the hearty essence of Southern cooking with the tangy rhythm inherent to Cuban cuisine. For Texas foodies wanting to taste the tropical, or for home cooks seeking a new spin on the everyday lamb chops, this dish is a delight.
Health and Flavor Hand in Hand
The health benefits of this dish are not to be underestimated. The oregano, a key player, is rich in antioxidants that fight off damage from harmful free radicals. Known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, this herb promotes heart health and boosts immunity. Additionally, the garlic garnishing this recipe provides generous doses of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese — and with a scent this divine, it’s a win-win.
Lamb, a frequently overlooked source of protein, is an excellent component in a balanced diet. Rich in vitamin B12 and zinc, it also provides a substantial amount of Omega-3 fats known for maintaining heart health. Okay, that’s enough of the technical mumbo jumbo, let’s get back to the flavors!
A Delicious Companion
This recipe, robust in flavor and texture, pairs phenomenally with a range of dishes. My personal recommendation? Serve it alongside a refreshing watermelon salad as a mitigating companion to the tangy lamb chops. The delightfully contrasting flavors of sweet watermelon and savory chops create a balancing act that tantalizes the palate and leaves you wanting for more.
So there you have it, my hearty and healthy Cuban Oregano Marinated Lamb Chops recipe. A little part of the South, a little part of the tropics, and a whole lot of Tex-Mex heart.
What You’ll Need
- 6 lamb chops
- 1 cup of fresh Cuban oregano leaves
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
Method
Step One
Prepare the marinade by combining the Cuban oregano leaves, garlic, salt, black pepper, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a blender or food processor. Blend until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and form a smooth marinade.
Step Two
Place the lamb chops in a large dish or zip lock bag. Pour the marinade over the lamb, making sure all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and allow the lamb to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Step Three
Preheat your grill or broiler to high heat. Remove the lamb from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Do not discard the marinade.
Step Four
Grill the lamb chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your lamb more well-done. While grilling, you can baste the chops with the leftover marinade for additional flavor.
Step Five
Once cooked to your desired level, remove the lamb chops from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum flavor.
Step Six
Serve the lamb chops hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh Cuban oregano leaves and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors. Enjoy your Cuban Oregano Marinated Lamb Chops.
