Monday, May 12, 2008

Grilled Lamb Chops with Salsa Tapenade




We’re back.

Vacation was filled with good food, friends and family.

It was better than ever.

Coming home to a gorgeous Middle Tennessee spring with summer on the way was even better.

We’re taking a brief respite from seafood.

For about a day.

But what a way to take a break by having some grilled lamb chops, fresh asparagus and a great salsa to top the chops, using my homemade Tapenade with some happy additions.

It’s good to be home.

Salsa Tapenade

2 tbsp black olive Tapenade*
½ cup roasted red bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 tbsp capers
A good splash of balsamic vinegar
¼ cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

Makes about ¾ cup.
Combine and serve on top of the grilled chops.



The Chops
4 good sized lamb chops, seasoned with a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice, coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Grill 4 minutes per side.
Serves 3.


Black Olive Tapenade

¼ cup toasted pine nuts
1-¼ cup pitted Nicoise olives
1 tbsp garlic confit (or 4 fat garlic cloves, peeled)
4 anchovy fillets
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper

Put pine nuts, olives, garlic, anchovies and olive oil in food processor and pulse off and on til thick but not mush. Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.

Makes about 1-½ cups. Keep top covered with olive oil and this will last indefinitely in the refrigerator.
Yes, this appeared several weeks ago. Versatility is its middle name!
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7 comments:

RecipeGirl said...

LOOOOOVE lamb chops, but I've never had them with any sort of tapenade. Sounds terrific!

Peter M said...

Spring brings cheap lamb and I freeze what I buy on sale.

This salsa screams patio...make my chops medium-rare, please!

michael, claudia and sierra said...

welcome home!
nothing like your own kitchen...

chops look wonderful

Anonymous said...

Welcome back!

Now I'm thinking about making some chops

Anonymous said...

This looks delightful! Especially with the salsa tapenade.

Jessy and her dog Winnie said...

Looks delicious, and really elegant!

Mary Coleman said...

Lori: Got to try the tapenade..the olive, sweet roasted red bells, hint of garlic..you'll fall out.

Peter:The only way to eat lamb!

Claudia: There's no place like home!!

kate: Thanks!

Cathy: Make some asap.

Jessy: Thanks honey. Just a weeknight dinner.