Grilled Lamb Chops Mint Jelly

Discovering grilled lamb chops with mint jelly felt like unlocking a secret to effortless elegance in the kitchen. Whenever I fire up the grill, the sizzle and fresh rosemary aroma instantly transport me to warm summer evenings with friends.

One evening, unexpected guests showed up, and with little prep I rubbed the lamb with garlic and rosemary, grilled it, and whipped up the mint jelly—everyone believed I'd spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Lamb chops: I always choose rib chops about 1 inch thick for the perfect balance of tenderness and grill marks
• Olive oil: Extra virgin for flavor, but not too much to avoid flare-ups
• Fresh rosemary: Finely chopped to release that piney aroma and pair beautifully with lamb
• Garlic: Minced fresh; no substitutes here for that punch
• Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; freshly ground pepper wakes up the meat
• Mint leaves: Use fresh and packed for the jelly so it packs a refreshing punch
• Granulated sugar: Balances the sharpness of vinegar in the jelly perfectly
• White wine vinegar: Light acidity keeps the jelly bright
• Powdered gelatin: Ensures that jelly sets just right without additives

Instructions

Mix and Marinate:

Combine olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper into a fragrant paste and gently massage it into each lamb chop. Let the flavors mingle while standing at the counter or chatting on the phone—about 15 minutes should do.

Prepare the Mint Jelly:

In a saucepan, gently heat the mint, sugar, vinegar, and water stirring until sugar vanishes into sweet, tangy syrup. The smell of mint bubbling away is utterly rejuvenating.

Set the Jelly:

Remove the mix from heat and sprinkle the gelatin slowly, stirring until it dissolves fully. Pour it into a jar and slide it into the fridge for at least an hour until it sets into a cool, fragrant jelly.

Heat the Grill:

Preheat your grill or grill pan so that it’s hot but not smoking—a medium-high heat is perfect for getting those beautiful char lines.

Grill the Chops:

Grill lamb chops for 4 to 5 minutes on each side if you like them medium-rare. The sizzling sound and increasing aroma promise a feast shortly.

Rest and Serve:

Remove the chops and let them rest for 5 minutes to keep them juicy. Serve warm with a generous spoonful of mint jelly on the side and enjoy.

Bookmark

This dish became a tradition at family dinners, turning simple gatherings into moments of joy with its unforgettable blend of smoky meat and sweet mint.

Keeping It Fresh

Use fresh herbs and always check the mint leaves for vibrancy before making the jelly. I find that freshly sourced rosemary adds a punch that dried herbs just can't match.

When You’re Missing Something

If you run out of fresh mint, adding a little lemon zest to the jelly can brighten flavors. Also, store-bought mint jelly can save time but fresh is worth the extra step.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Roasted potatoes and a crisp green salad are perfect companions. And don't forget to let the lamb rest—patience pays off in every juicy bite.

• Never skip resting—the juices need their moment
• Try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a touch of warmth
• If pressed for time, the store-bought jelly is a reliable backup

Bookmark

Thanks for sharing this kitchen adventure with me—I hope every bite brings you a little extra joy until next time.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the lamb chops marinate?

The lamb chops benefit from a 15-minute room temperature marinade allowing flavors to infuse before grilling.

→ What is the best cooking time for medium-rare lamb chops?

Grill the lamb chops for about 4 to 5 minutes per side to achieve a juicy medium-rare doneness.

→ How do you prepare the mint jelly?

Simmer chopped fresh mint with sugar, white wine vinegar, and water, then dissolve gelatin into the mixture before chilling until set.

→ Can the lamb chops rest after grilling?

Allow the grilled lamb chops to rest for 5 minutes off the heat to retain juices and enhance tenderness.

→ What sides complement this grilled lamb and mint jelly pairing?

Roasted potatoes and a crisp green salad make excellent accompaniments, balancing the richness with freshness.