Roasted Lamb Chops with Charmoula and Skillet Asparagus

Ingredients

• •1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• •1½ cups fresh Italian parsley leaves
• •½ cup fresh mint leaves
• •½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• •2 cloves garlic
• •1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
• •1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• •¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• •6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• •1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• •8 pieces lamb loin chops
• •1 tablespoon butter
• •1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• •1½ pounds asparagus
• •3 tablespoons chopped shallot
• •1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
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Cooking Instructions

1. 1.

   Heat small skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast until aromatic and slightly darker, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes. Transfer to processor. Add parsley leaves and next 6 ingredients to processor. Using on/off turns, process until coarse paste forms. With machine running, gradually add 4 tablespoons oil. Transfer 2 tablespoons charmoula to small bowl; whisk in lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Cover and chill to serve with lamb.

   10 min

2. 2.

   Transfer remaining charmoula to large resealable plastic bag. Add lamb chops; seal bag and turn to coat well. Chill at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.

   240 min

3. 3.

   Let lamb and charmoula sauce in bowl stand at room temperature 1 hour.

   60 min

4. 4.

   Preheat oven to 500°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place rack on prepared baking sheet. Place lamb on rack and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until thermometer inserted into center registers 130°F for medium-rare, about 13 minutes. Transfer lamb to platter. Tent with foil and let rest 5 minutes.

   18 min

5. 5.

   Meanwhile, melt butter with 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add asparagus and sauté until tender, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Add shallot and lemon peel. Sauté 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

   4 min

6. 6.

   Place 2 lamb chops on each of 4 plates. Divide asparagus among plates. Drizzle lamb and asparagus with charmoula sauce, passing remaining sauce alongside.

   5 min