Lamb Chops with Poached Quince and Balsamic Pan Sauce

Tender lamb chops served with delicately poached quince and a rich balsamic pan sauce. This elegant dish combines the sweetness of quince with savory herbs and a sophisticated balsamic reduction.

4 servings
42 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened apple juice
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 whole quince
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 8 pieces lamb chops
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Combine apple juice and sugar in small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add quince slices and thyme sprigs. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quince is tender, about 20 minutes. Strain, reserving quince and juices separately. Discard thyme sprigs.

    25 min

  2. 2.

    Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add lamb; cook to desired doneness, about 2 1/2 minutes per side for rib chops and 3 1/2 minutes per side for loin chops for medium-rare. Transfer lamb to platter; cover to keep warm. Pour off drippings from skillet; place skillet over medium heat. Add reserved quince juices; boil until reduced to 1/4 cup, scraping up any browned bits, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat; stir in vinegar, butter, oregano, rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme. Season pan sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

    15 min

  3. 3.

    Top lamb with poached quince. Spoon pan sauce over and serve.

    2 min