Molasses-brined Lamb Chops

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup ice cube
• 4 (6 ounce) bone-in center-cut lamb chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage (or 1 t. dried rubbed sage)
• 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Recipe

• 1 make the brine: combine water and salt in a large bowl; stir until the salt dissolves.
• 2 add in sugar, molasses, and vanilla; stir until sugar dissolves.
• 3 stir in ice.
• 4 add chops, cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
• 5 remove chops from brine, pat dry; discard brine.
• 6 make the rub: combine all the rub ingredients; rub over both sides of chops; refrigerate 30 minutes.
• 7 place flour in a shallow dish; dredge chops in flour.
• 8 heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over med-high heat; add chops and cook 5 minutes on each side or until done.