Pomegranate Lamb Chops with “Wine Country” Spice Rub

Ingredients

Lamb Ingredients:

• 12 lamb chops (from the rack)
• 1–2 tbsp neutral oil
• Salt, to taste

Pomegranate Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
• 3 tbsp sherry vinegar
• 2 1/4 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried lavender
• 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 3/4 cup canola oil

Wine country Spice Rub Part A (Blend First):

• 3/4 cup dried lavender
• 1/4 cup fennel seed
• 1 tbsp star anise

Part B (Mix):

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground white pepper

Garnish:

• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

Directions

Spice Rub:

1. Combine Part A ingredients and blend to a fine powder.
2. Transfer to a bowl and mix with Part B ingredients.
3. Set aside.

Pomegranate Vinaigrette:

1. In a bowl, combine pomegranate juice, sherry vinegar, honey, salt, white pepper, lavender, and Dijon.
2. Whisk to combine.
3. Slowly stream in canola oil while whisking to emulsify.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Lamb:

1. Pat lamb chops dry and season lightly with salt.
2. Coat evenly with spice rub on all sides.
3. Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

Cook:

1. Preheat grill or pan to high heat.
2. Add oil and sear lamb chops 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
3. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Finish:

1. Spoon pomegranate vinaigrette over lamb chops.
2. Garnish with chopped chives and pomegranate.