CUMIN-RUBBED LAMB CHOPS WITH CUCUMBER SALAD

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Cumin-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Cucumber Salad image

Lamb chops are among the best meats to grill; although they tend to catch fire, they cook so quickly-three minutes per side is usually more than enough-that there is no time for them to char, and the fire makes the exterior even crisper than it might be otherwise. The cucumbers are best if they're salted, which removes some of their bitterness and makes them extra-crisp. Start with one or two Kirby (small) cucumbers per person-or half of a medium cucumber or about a third of a long ("English") cucumber.

Yield makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

About 1 1/2 pounds cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
2 lemons
4 shoulder or leg lamb chops or 12 rib or loin chops (about 1 pound)
1 tablespoon cumin, preferably freshly ground

Steps:

  • Put the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt, just a little more than if you were planning to eat them right away. After 15 to 30 minutes, preheat a grill or broiler; put the rack about 4 inches from the heat source.
  • When the fire is hot, press the cucumbers to extract as much liquid as possible and toss them with the mint and the juice of one of the lemons. Rub the lamb chops with salt, pepper, and cumin and grill for about 3 minutes per side for rare, turning once.
  • Serve each of the lamb chops on a bed of the cucumber salad. Quarter the remaining lemon and serve it to squeeze over the lamb.

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