Lamb chops are not easy to make and find, but if you do happen to prepare them, you want to serve something delicious with them. Instead of ruining a tasty dish, try finding a tasty side dish. You can mix and match some of these as well!
In this article, we will cover some of the best side dishes to serve with lamb chops that can elevate your meal.
What Are Lamb Chops?
Lamb chops or cutlets are a very expensive cut of the lamb because they are incredibly tender and soft. This part of the lamb is taken from the rib of the lamb and then cooked individually. Lamb chops can be grilled, smoked, and barbecued.
While the lamb is not as easy to find as other meats, such as beef, pork, or chicken, this cut of lamb is somewhat more accessible. The two most popular cuts are loin or rib chops. Loin chops look like small T-bone steaks, while rib chops have a lollipop appearance.
In general, you should cook lamb chops to a medium-rare point or 145 degrees F. The most common mistake when you are cooking lamb is burning or over-cooking it at the center. Lamb is a very common food in Mediterranean cuisines, such as Greek or Spanish, and Middle Eastern dishes as well.
Nutrition Facts
One medium slice of lamb chop from the loin with bone (5 oz) has the following nutritional content (*):
- 279 calories
- 45.5 g water
- 22.2 g protein
- 20.4 g fat
- 0 g carbohydrate
- 0 g fiber
- 17.8 mg calcium
- 1.6 mg iron
- 21.4 mg magnesium
- 173 mg phosphorus
- 288 mg potassium
- 355 mg sodium
- 24.2 µg selenium
- 82.8 mg choline
- 88.1 mg cholesterol
Lamb is such delicate meat that many are afraid of cooking it at home. However, it is a delicious treat, and you can enjoy it with various side dishes. Lamb chops are relatively high in protein, although they also contain some fat, so be careful adding more to the cooking process.
Best Side Dishes for Lamb Chops
Below are some options for side dishes that you can serve with lamb chops at any time!
#1. Rice Pilaf With Mint and Almonds
This rice pilaf with mint and almonds is a great side dish that goes well with the lamb because it is fresh but seasoned. You can add more herbs and spices as needed and a touch of lemon juice too.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- 3 tablespoons chopped almonds
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your rice pilaf with mint and almonds:
- On a medium pot, heat the olive oil and add the chopped almonds, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Add the rice and coat well. Pour in water, cover the pot, and simmer.
- Your rice should be ready within 20 to 25 minutes.
- Stir in your chopped mint and mix well.
- Serve warm with lamb chops on the side.
#2. Greek Lemon Garlic Potatoes
Lamb tends to be paired with potatoes all the time, so using a Greek-style recipe makes sense given the intense flavors from the lamb. You can use your favorite type of potato and add more spices whenever you want. This is one of my go-to lamb chop sides.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fingerling potatoes (about 8 to 10)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your Greek lemon garlic potatoes:
- Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Wash and clean your potatoes. Place them in a baking dish, and drizzle the olive oil and garlic on top.
- Add the lemon juice, oregano, rosemary, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Roast your potatoes for about 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the potatoes around so they are golden.
- Finish roasting your potatoes for another 10 minutes or until the skin is crisp.
- Serve your potatoes warm and sprinkle fresh parsley and more lemon juice if needed.
#3. Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
Nothing better than adding a bit of crunch and freshness to your lamb chops dish. You can make it sweet or sour, or a mix of both to cut through the flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 red cabbage head, shredded
- 2 cups carrots, shredded
- ½ cup red onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ lime, juiced
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your cabbage and carrot slaw:
- Wash your vegetables carefully. Set them all aside in a large bowl.
- Separately, mix the mustard, garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and lime juice.
- Pour your liquid over the cabbage, carrot, and red onions. Mix well.
- Serve your slaw with the fresh parsley on top and the lamb chops on the side.
#4. Lemon and Tarragon Risotto
To complement your lamb chops and their intense flavor, this risotto is perfect. The lemon and tarragon add citrus and pungency.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup arborio rice
- ½ cup shallots
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup white wine
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your lemon and tarragon risotto:
- Add the water and stock to a saucepan. Keep it simmering at low heat.
- Pour the olive oil into a saucepan. Add the shallots and rice. Cook for about one minute.
- Add the wine and continue cooking for another minute. Add the stock and stir constantly, until all liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the cheese, lemon juice, and tarragon.
- Serve warm with lamb chops on the side.
#5. Chickpea and Cucumber Salad
A chickpea and cucumber salad is a great side dish that can add flavor without overpowering your lamb. You can add more vegetables as you need, but you can also make it very simple.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced cucumbers
- 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped red onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your chickpea and cucumber salad:
- Wash your vegetables carefully and chop them.
- Combine all the other ingredients in a large bowl. Toss well.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Serve cold.
Tip: add feta cheese if you want to add more flavor and creaminess.
#6. Roasted Beets and Carrots
Adding beets and carrots to a lamb dish is something that never fails to surprise. The sweetness and buttery nature of this recipe are fantastic for your lamb chops.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium beets
- 4 medium carrots
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Herbs of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your roasted beets and carrots:
- Begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Wash your carrots and beets. Peel them, and cut them into the desired size. Place them on a baking sheet with some olive oil.
- Add the herbs and maple syrup. Roast for 25 minutes or until brown and soft.
- Serve the vegetables warm with lamb chops on the side.
#7. Pappardelle With Tomato Sauce
If you want some pasta to go with your lamb, this is a perfect idea. The pappardelle is soft and delicate, and the tomato sauce adds the perfect amount of citrus.
Ingredients:
- 1 box pappardelle
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- ½ cup diced onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your pappardelle with tomato sauce:
- Cook your pappardelle according to instructions.
- Pour the olive oil on a saucepan. Allow it to warm, and add the garlic.
- After a couple of minutes, add the onions. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat.
- Serve your tomato sauce over your pappardelle al dente.
How Can I Pick The Perfect Sides for Lamb Chops?
Lamb chops are a very delicate and delicious dish to prepare. However, since it is not an everyday meal, you will want to pair it with a side dish that adds flavor without overshadowing your lamb. These are all affordable and easy dishes as well.
When you prepare roasted or baked lamb chops without a sauce, try pairing it with something a little more substantial. The cabbage and carrot slaw or the pappardelle with tomato sauce are great options. You can also try the roasted beets and carrots.
If you are serving your lamb chops with a sauce or topping, you may want to go with a more subtle side dish. You could try the Green lemon and garlic potatoes or the lemon and tarragon risotto. If you are looking for some vegetables, add a green salad.
Finally, when you are not sure what to eat with lamb chops, it is best to go with something simple. The rice pilaf with mint and almonds, the chickpea and cucumber salad, or the pappardelle with tomato sauce are great options. You can also add a simple side dish of mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower.
Conclusion
Lamb chops do not have to be a once-in-a-million treat, but making them at home means you may want to invest in a couple of side dishes that are just as good. These options are all easy to make, filling, and packed with flavor. Feel free to add a couple more ingredients or swap some of them out for some variation.
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*image by dar19.30/depositphotos
