Garlic Lamb Chops with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This Garlic Lamb Chops with Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a mouthwatering, easy-to-make meal featuring tender lamb chops infused with a fragrant garlic and herb marinade, perfectly seared to a golden crust. Paired with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes enriched with garlic and fresh chives, this classic comfort dish is ideal for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
For the Garlic Lamb Chops:
- 8 Lamb Chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Russet Potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 6 tablespoons Butter, unsalted
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon White Pepper (or to taste)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Lamb Chops: Place the lamb chops in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the meat to coat evenly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Remove lamb chops from the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add butter and allow it to melt completely. Ensure the pan is hot by testing with a drop of water that should sizzle immediately.
- Sear the Lamb Chops: Place the lamb chops carefully in the hot pan without overcrowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for desired doneness until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature: 130-135°F for medium-rare, 135-140°F for medium, 140-145°F for medium-well. Remember the temperature will rise slightly after removing from heat.
- Rest the Lamb Chops: Remove lamb chops from pan and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for tender, flavorful meat.
- Boil the Potatoes: Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot with cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain the Potatoes: Drain thoroughly and return potatoes to the pot.
- Dry the Potatoes: Place pot back on low heat for about a minute to evaporate excess moisture, ensuring fluffier mashed potatoes. Avoid burning.
- Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher or ricer, mash potatoes until smooth. Avoid over-mashing to prevent gumminess.
- Heat Cream and Milk: In a saucepan, warm heavy cream, milk, and butter over medium heat until butter melts and mixture is warm but not boiling.
- Incorporate Dairy: Gradually add warm cream mixture to mashed potatoes, stirring gently until creamy and smooth without overmixing.
- Add Garlic (Optional): Sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant, then fold into mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Season to Taste: Season mashed potatoes with salt and white pepper, adjusting to preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh chopped chives.
- Plate the Dish: Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate, creating a well for pan juices if desired.
- Place the Lamb Chops: Arrange two lamb chops atop or beside the mashed potatoes.
- Drizzle with Pan Juices: Optionally drizzle pan juices over lamb chops and potatoes for enhanced flavor.
- Garnish (Optional): Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for color and aroma.
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Marinating lamb chops longer enhances flavor — up to 4 hours is ideal.
- Bring meat to room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the lamb.
- Drying potatoes after draining helps create fluffier mashed potatoes.
- Warm dairy before adding to potatoes prevents cooling and improves texture.
- Sautéed garlic in mashed potatoes adds a subtle aromatic flavor but can be omitted for less intensity.
- Resting meat allows juices to redistribute, making lamb chops more tender.
- Serve lamb chops medium-rare to medium for optimal tenderness and juiciness.
Keywords: Garlic lamb chops, mashed potatoes, rosemary lamb, thyme lamb chops, creamy mashed potatoes, easy lamb recipe, stovetop lamb chops, herb marinated lamb