Za’atar Lamb Chops with Date & Almond Couscous
Za’atar Lamb Chops with Date & Almond Couscous is a vibrant dish that brings the flavors of the Middle East to your dining table. The succulent lamb chops, seasoned with aromatic za’atar, are perfectly grilled and paired with a sweet and nutty couscous infused with dates and almonds. This delightful combination creates an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in lamb chops (about 1 lb)
- 2 tbsp za’atar spice blend
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced or chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Marinate the lamb: In a bowl, mix olive oil with za’atar spice blend to create a paste. Coat lamb chops generously and let sit while preparing couscous.
- Cook the couscous: Boil water or broth in a saucepan. Stir in pearl couscous, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and mix in chopped dates and almonds.
- Grill the lamb: Preheat grill over medium-high heat. Grill each chop for 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness (medium-rare is around 145°F).
- Prepare dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Toss couscous mixture with parsley and drizzle with dressing.
- Serve: Plate lamb chops alongside couscous and garnish with extra parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb chop (178g) with couscous
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, replace almonds with pistachios or include dried cranberries. - Use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavorful couscous.