A taste is all you need of this luxurious lamb appetizer which pairs two exquisite ingredients -- slightly sweet floral cardamom and rich, full-bodied vanilla.

Makes 8 appetizer servings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Refrigerate Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

For 1 serving
Calories: 226
Sodium: 438mg
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 17g

Cardamom Dusted Lamb Chops with Rich Vanilla Sauce

Ingredients


Cardamom Dusted Lamb Chops:
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Cardamom, Ground
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Gourmet Collection Cumin, Ground
1 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Cinnamon, Saigon
3/4 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Ginger, Ground
8 loin lamb chops (1 to 1 1/2-inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Sicilian Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Black Pepper, Coarse Grind

Rich Vanilla Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 cups sliced mixed shiitake and cremini (baby bella) mushrooms
1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 cup Kitchen Basics® Original Chicken Stock
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Organic Vanilla Extract, Pure Madagascar or McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract

Directions

1. For the Lamb Chops, mix sugar, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon and ginger in small bowl. Brush lamb chops with oil. Coat with garlic, then spice mixture. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. For the Vanilla Sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add mushrooms; cook and stir 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from skillet. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in same skillet on medium heat. Add shallots; cook and stir 2 minutes or until softened. Stir in balsamic vinegar and chicken broth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 15 minutes or until sauce is reduced by half and slightly thickened. Stir in cream, vanilla and mushrooms. Simmer until heated through.

3. Meanwhile, season lamb chops with sea salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes or until desired doneness, turning once. Serve lamb chops with Vanilla Sauce.