Grilled lamb chops with Meyer lemon risotto and arugula...and a GIVEAWAY, courtesy of McCormick!
03.19.2012 
A while back, McCormick contacted me and asked me if I would like to create (and blog about) a recipe based on one of their 2012 Global Flavor Forecast flavor pairings. My answer was, Heck yes! From their list of unique flavor pairings, I chose Meyer Lemon with Lemon Thyme, Limoncello and Lemon Peel. I received a kit in the mail, along with this Grilled Lamb Chops with Meyer Lemon Risotto and Arugula recipe. Dan and I both loved everything about it! It was tasty, unique and fresh, and I am very excited about the leftovers that I get to eat later today.
The most exciting part about this experience is that I get to offer one of my readers a McCormick Flavor Forecast kit, as well! I will pick a comment at random, and McCormick will send you a kit in the mail. Easy peasy!
To enter to win a McCormick Flavor Forecast Kit (includes: 1 Global Flavor Forecast Report, a $25 gift card to purchase additional perishable items and all non-perishable ingredients for pairing-specific recipes), leave a comment on this post, telling me which of the following flavor pairings you would choose, should you be the lucky winner:
- Cumin with Sofrito
- Korean Pepper Paste with Sesame, Asian Pear and Garlic
- Dill with Mint, Melon and Cucumber
- Meyer Lemon with Lemon Thyme, Limoncello and Lemon Peel
- Eggplant with Honey and Harrisa
- Squash with Red Curry and Pancetta
- Ginger with Coconut
- Vanilla with Butter
- Red Tea with Cinnamon and Plum
- Grapefruit with Red Pepper
- Sweet Soy with Tamarind and Black Pepper
- Blueberry with Cardamom and Corn Masa
Entries accepted from Monday, March 19th through Sunday, March 25th. I will annouce the winner the morning of March 26th!
For additional entries, leave separate comments telling me that you have done any or all of the following:
- Friended me on Facebook.
- Followed me on Twitter.
- Subscribed to my RSS feed.
MEYER LEMON RISOTTO
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup chopped onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until softened.
Add 1 cup of whole grain rice mix (I used Arborio) and cook, stirring, for 1 minute to toast the rice.
Add:
2 tablespoons of Meyer lemon juice (substitution: 4 teaspoons lemon juice and 2 teaspoons orange juice)
2 tablespoons Limoncello liqueur
Cook and stir for 1 minute, or until liquid is almost evaporated.
Stirring constantly, add 4 cups of heated chicken stock, 1/2 cup at a time, until the liquid is absorbed by the rice after each addition. It takes about 25 minutes for all of the stock to be absorbed and the risotto to become thick and creamy.
Season with 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
GRILLED LAMB CHOPS
In a small bowl, combine:
2 tablespoons fresh lemon thyme leaves (substitution: 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons grated Meyer lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Sicilian sea salt
Mix well. Rub 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mixture onto one 8-rib frenched rack of lamb (1 1/2 pounds), cut into 2-rib portions.
Grill the lamb chops over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes per side, or until they have reached desired doneness. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Divide 2 cups of arugula among 4 plates and top with the risotto. Place a lamb chop on each plate and drizzle with the remaining seasoning mixture.
And since Limoncello is not something I ever think to buy, or drink, I had to pour myself a teeny tiny glass to enjoy along with my meal!
Printable recipe: Grilled lamb chops with Meyer lemon risotto and arugula
Meyer lemons, arugula in Lamb Chops, Risotto
Reader Comments (59)
Grapefruit with Red Pepper
I follow you on Twitter now!
- Squash with Red Curry and Pancetta for sure!
Seeing as how I am a sweets girl....vanilla with butter for me. Yum.
I am your FB friend.
And I follow you on twitter.
This giveaway probably isn't for folks in Canada, but in case it is, I'd go for the Sweet Soy with Tamarind and Black Pepper.
I'd choose the vanilla with butter!
We are friends on FB.
I follow you on Twitter.
I'm a subscriber.
I would choose the Vanilla with Butter! Yummy!
I follow you on twitter
I friended you on Facebook
I subscribe via email
While it's very tempting to say the Meyer Lemon, I think I'd go with the Red Tea with Cinnamon and Plum!
I already follow you on Facebook!
And I already follow you on Twitter!
And now I follow you on RSS as well!
I would choose the Limoncello and Lemon Peel.
I like you on Facebook.
I followed you on Twitter.
I subscribed to your RSS feed.
Vanilla with butter all the way. Maybe with some cream cheese monkey bread?!
Oh wow. You know that lamb is my most favorite meat, right? I can't believe how perfect and gorgeous those chops are. That is some serious food (and gorgeous photography). The risotto ain't so shabby either; it's just blinded by the meat. :)
Almost impossible to choose a favorite combination, truth be told, but the Cumin with Sofrito sounds yummy.