Lunch: Lamb Chops with Everything-Bagel Yogurt and Chickpeas

Recipe by Rhoda Boone Splurge on lamb rib chops or save on loin chops; either way you will enjoy this Moroccan-inspired meal. The familiar flavors of an everything bagel make a surprise appearance here to spice a zesty yogurt dip. Harissa paste (availabl

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds, Lemon

Health and fertility benefits of Lamb Chops with Everything-Bagel Yogurt and Chickpeas

Sesame seeds help with progesterone balance. Lignans found in in sesame seeds help to prevent excess estrogen production. Poppy seeds are packed with calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, and zinc. Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to.

Ingredients

7 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
2 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds
2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon coarse salt
8 1-inch-thick lamb rib or loin chops (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1/2 pound carrots, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices on a bias
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons harissa paste (depending on heat and saltiness)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, such as grapeseed
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

In a small skillet, warm 6 tablespoons olive oil, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt over medium-low heat until the spices just start to sizzle and turn very light brown, about 2 minutes. Quickly pour into a heat-safe bowl and allow to cool completely.
Season the lamb chops with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; set aside.
In a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and sauté until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add carrots and sauté until softened and starting to brown, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, 2 teaspoons harissa, cumin, and paprika and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute more. Add broth and scrape up brown bits from bottom of pan. Stir in chickpeas, tomatoes, remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more harissa if desired.
In a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat, heat vegetable oil. Sear chops, working in batches if necessary, 3 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 125 °F for medium rare.
Mix yogurt with lemon juice. Gently fold in 1 tablespoon everything-bagel-spiced olive oil.
To serve, spoon the chickpea mixture onto the plate. Top each chop with a dollop of yogurt. Finish with an additional drizzle of the spiced oil. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

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