Are you craving a flavorful and tender lamb dish but short on time? Look no further! This slow cooker lamb chops recipe is your answer. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy cooking times; this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and delicious meal the whole family will adore. Prepare to impress your loved ones with this unbelievably easy, yet sophisticated, slow cooker masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in lamb chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup lamb stock or beef broth
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped carrots
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Lamb Chops
Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Searing (Optional but Recommended)
For extra flavor, heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb chops for about 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cooking Magic
Place the seared (or unseared) lamb chops in your slow cooker. Add the chopped red onion, carrots, rosemary, and thyme sprigs to the slow cooker. Pour the lamb stock over everything.
Step 4: Cooking Time
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the lamb is fork-tender. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your lamb chops and your slow cooker. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 5: Serving
Once cooked, carefully remove the lamb chops from the slow cooker. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can thicken the cooking liquid with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) for a delicious gravy. Serve the lamb chops with the roasted vegetables and gravy. Consider serving with mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the lamb chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice for a few hours before cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a touch of heat.
- Different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or mushrooms.
- Wine addition: Substitute half of the lamb stock with red wine for a richer flavor.
- Make it a complete meal: Add potatoes and other root vegetables directly to the slow cooker along with the onions and carrots.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
These values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
This slow cooker lamb chops recipe is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any occasion. The slow cooking process ensures incredibly tender and flavorful meat, making it a delicious and easy weeknight dinner or a fantastic option for a relaxed weekend meal. Enjoy!