What’s the quickest thing to cook on the stove top during a heat wave? Lamb chops. These loin chops weren’t very thick, so I seared them in a preheated skillet for a couple minutes on each side after seasoning with dried sage and garlic powder. Plated them and covered to let rest for 15 minutes while Michael finished work. That’s how to cook lamb chops simply without a recipe.
You really don’t want to overcook these beauties. Michael always requests medium rare plus in a restaurant…well, I’m not a restaurant, but I nailed it this time and so can you. Thicker chops require longer cooking time. If they’re really thick, you might consider putting them into the oven after turning them over. Resting allows meat to continue cooking a bit while staying juicy before cutting into them. Learning basic principles allows you to cook more intuitively.
What are lamb chops without a nice bottle of wine? I love a good Pinot Noir, but they’re often a bit pricey. I really like this one and it’s not expensive. Perfect for simple meals.
Potato Salad
There are so many ways to make potato salad. Boil until fork tender and toss with your dressing of choice. My favorite begins with crushed garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. Parsley is fantastic, but I didn’t have any, so I used cilantro instead. I decided a little dried dill would be good too. Look around to see what you have. Cooking without a recipe is practical.
Sautéed Cabbage
Napa cabbage is a bit more delicate than the round variety, so it doesn’t need much time to wilt in a pan. After chopping it, I sauteed it in olive oil with some garlic and added some chopped dates for a sweet note that paired nicely with the lamb. That’s how you develop your intuition in the kitchen. Consider the flavors and textures you’re combining to create a pleasing combination of ingredients.
Delicious and light. Quick and easy. Simple meals can also be elegant.
New to cooking lamb? Please read Be a Lamb and Try for more ideas.