Chile-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Pumpkin Seed Sauce

SERVINGS: 4

•FAST

A single serrano chile gives the tangy pumpkin seed sauce a mild, pleasant heat. If you'd like more spice, add another serrano to the mix; you can also use a spicier chile powder to coat the lamb.

Leg of lamb steaks are a good alternative to chops. Cook them for about 5 minutes per side on the stove; they won't need to roast in the oven.

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1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
1/4 cup loosely packed mint leaves
1 small shallot, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds
1 serrano chile, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons peanut oil
Salt
2 tablespoons mild chile powder, such as chimayo
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Four 1/2-pound lamb loin chops

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a blender or food processor, puree the cilantro, mint, shallot, pumpkin seeds, serrano, water, lime juice, 2 tablespoons of the oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.
On a plate, combine the chile powder with the cumin, oregano and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Rub the chile mixture all over the lamb chops.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large ovenproof skillet. Add the lamb chops and cook over moderately high heat until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to the oven and bake for about 12 minutes for medium-rare meat. Transfer the chops to large plates and serve with the sauce.

Suggested Pairing

Spicy lamb chops call for a spicy red. Look for a California Syrah/Shiraz bottling.

Chile-Rubbed Lamb Chops with Pumpkin Seed Sauce

Suggested Pairing

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