BBQ Lamb with Mint Couscous (Printable Version)

Tender grilled lamb chops with smoky BBQ marinade paired with light, refreshing mint couscous for a perfect Mediterranean meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Grilled Lamb Chops

01 - 8 lamb chops (rib or loin)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
07 - 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
09 - Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

→ For the Mint Couscous

10 - 1 cup couscous
11 - 1 cup hot chicken or vegetable broth
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
13 - Zest of half a lemon
14 - Juice of half a lemon
15 - 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
18 - 1 small onion, chopped (optional)

# Steps To Follow:

01 - In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat the lamb chops with this mixture. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
02 - In a heatproof bowl, mix couscous with olive oil or butter, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Pour hot broth over the mixture, stir quickly, then cover tightly with a lid or foil. Allow to stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Incorporate lemon juice, chopped mint, and optional parsley or chopped onion. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
03 - Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust timing to preferred level of cooking. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
04 - Mound a portion of mint couscous on each plate. Arrange grilled lamb chops on top. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves or lemon slices if desired. For extra flavor, drizzle with additional BBQ sauce.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - Don't skip the resting period after grilling as it helps retain the lamb's juiciness
02 - For a complete meal, consider adding grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant
03 - Add harissa or chili paste to the marinade for a spicier flavor profile
04 - Couscous can be substituted with quinoa or bulgur for a different texture and flavor