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Brasileiro Lamb Chops

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Brasileiro Lamb Chops

Brasileiro Lamb Chops, a staple at Brazilian home tables, reflects the informal yet deeply flavorful approach to cooking that defines many family meals in Brazil. The recipe, passed down through generations, captures the essence of familial gatherings, where the lamb is seasoned by intuition rather than precise measurements. It's a dish often prepared for Sunday lunches, when families come together to share stories and laughter over a meal.

The lamb chops are a celebration of simplicity and taste, with a generous use of fat that renders them tender and juicy. A hint of paprika adds warmth, while a squeeze of lemon provides a bright finish. Seasoned with fine sea salt and black pepper, each chop bursts with savory goodness, inviting you to savor every bite.

Ingredients

  • 8lamb chops
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 1 tsppaprika
  • to finishlemon
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Start by seasoning the 8 lamb chops generously with fine sea salt, ensuring each chop is evenly coated. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika over the chops, rubbing it into the meat to create a uniform layer of spice. This step infuses the lamb with flavor and sets the foundation for the dish.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the lamb chops in the skillet, ensuring they do not overlap. Brown the chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they develop a deep, golden-brown crust. This browning process locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.
  3. After browning, decide whether to braise or grill the chops. For braising, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chops cook gently in their own juices until tender. If grilling, transfer the chops to a preheated grill and cook until they reach your desired level of doneness, turning occasionally.
  4. Check the tenderness of the lamb by pressing gently with a fork; the meat should feel soft and yield slightly to pressure. This indicates that the chops are cooked through and tender.
  5. Before serving, taste a small piece of lamb to check for seasoning. Adjust with more fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chops to add brightness and balance the richness of the meat.
  6. Serve the Brasileiro Lamb Chops family-style, accompanied by rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad. This dish is meant to be shared and enjoyed together, embodying the spirit of Brazilian home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Brazilian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Brazilian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Brazilian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Brazilian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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