In Praise of the Round Bone Lamb Chop

Well it looks like braising weather has finally abated for its short respite around these parts. To my liking, one of the best budget cuts of meat, for fast grilling, is this one which can be had for under $3 a pound at many of the independent groceries and produce markets around town. Many recipes call for marinating but I find the thinner cuts just fine with a dusting of oregano, pepper and the Spice House Billy Goat mix. A hot fire, a few minutes of cooking and a drizzle of olive oil with lemon create a carnivore's feast on a budget. And the bonus, of course, is the little bit of marrow that can be had out of the round bone.

round bone lamb chop = lamb shoulder chop (as apposed to the blade chop)

I often throw shoulder chops in the pressure cooker with leeks (or onion), parsley, thyme, bay leaves, chopped tomatoes, S&P, and some water or stock. Twenty minutes later I serve on some couscous with white beans.

It's a dish that I picked up from Pepin's "Fast Food My Way" and it's a great way to use these chops. Since the shoulder chops contain multiple muscles, it's difficult to get everything to cook properly, so I favor a long slow braise (or a quick pressure cook).

Best,
Michael

It's one of my favorite grilling meats, too. Although I occassionally splurge and go for a Chiapetti boneless lamb loin, I can usually find very nice lamb round bone "steaks" at my local Fair Share for no more than $2.69/lb. I marinate these little beauties in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an hour or two, then a quick grilling, and serve them with roasted Yukon Gold potatoes and red onion, baby spinach salad, and a bottle of rose/roditys. And yes, sucking the marrow from the round bone is the end of the meal bonus!

T Comp wrote:A hot fire, a few minutes of cooking and a drizzle of olive oil with lemon create a carnivore's feast on a budget. And the bonus, of course, is the little bit of marrow that can be had out of the round bone.

I couldn't agree more.

Cheers!

T Comp wrote: A hot fire, a few minutes of cooking and a drizzle of olive oil with lemon create a carnivore's feast on a budget.

Yes Sir Senator!



Marinate in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and Herbs De Provance for a few hours, lump charcoal small chunk, in this case, of pecan. Meaty, chewy, slightly fatty, almost makes me forget Santorini took lamb scharas off the menu.

A few veg for balance.




One of my favorite inexpensive meals, total cost of lamb was right around $5 at Marketplace on Oakton, thanks for the reminder T Comp.

Enjoy,
Gary

Marketplace On Oakton
4817 Oakton St
Skokie, IL 60077
847-677-9330

While that lamb looks great, Gary, your vegetables look even better (both before and after shots). Beautiful! Is that local aspargus? It looks too vibrant to have travelled too far.

One way or another - yet another great looking dinner!

Bridgestone wrote:While that lamb looks great, Gary, your vegetables look even better (both before and after shots). Beautiful! Is that local aspargus? It looks too vibrant to have travelled too far.

Bridgestone,

Veg were purchased at Marketplace on Oakton place of birth unknown, though I'd guess fairly local as your sharp eye surmised the flavor was as vibrant as the color. Lamb, also purchased at Marketplace on Oakton, was top of the game as well, though not as photogenic.

Enjoy,
Gary

Marketplace On Oakton
4817 Oakton St
Skokie, IL 60077
847-677-9330