Healthy Ina Garten Lamb Chops in the Oven Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make lamb dish that’s both flavorful and wholesome, Ina Garten’s oven-baked lamb chops are the perfect choice. This recipe keeps the meat tender while using simple, heart-healthy ingredients to enhance the natural flavors without adding unnecessary fat or calories.

Ingredients:

• 4–6 lamb chops (lean, trimmed of excess fat)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 lemon, zest and juice

• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.

2. Prepare the lamb: Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice crust during cooking.

3. Season: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and juice. Rub this mixture over both sides of the lamb chops. Season generously with salt and pepper.

4. Sear the lamb: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb chops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

5. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the lamb chops for 8–10 minutes for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking: 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.

6. Rest the meat: Remove the chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete healthy meal.

Health Tips:

• Lean cuts: Trim visible fat from the lamb to reduce saturated fat intake.

• Olive oil: Using olive oil instead of butter makes this dish heart-healthy.

• Herbs over salt: Fresh herbs add flavor without adding excess sodium.

This Ina Garten-inspired lamb chops recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. With a golden sear, aromatic herbs, and a hint of lemon, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.