The earthy Middle Eastern spice blend za’atar is a trendy flavour this year.

Za’atar lamb with grapefruit salad

Ingredients:

• 8 lamb loin chops
• 1 tbsp za’atar (see note below)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 pink grapefruits
• 4 cups (packed) baby spinach
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp honey

Method:

Preheat broiler. Arrange lamb loin chops on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Combine za’atar with sesame seeds and salt. Sprinkle over lamb chops. Broil in top third of oven until a thermometer inserted into thickest part of lamb reads 140F for rare, 5 to 7 minutes.

Remove segments from grapefruits, reserving juice separately. Toss baby spinach with grapefruit segments, parsley and pine nuts in a large bowl.

Whisk 3 tbsp reserved grapefruit juice with olive oil, water, apple cider vinegar and honey in a medium bowl. Drizzle salad with dressing just before serving.

Prep: 20 minutes.  Total: 25 minutes. Serves 4. 421 calories per serving. 

More on za’atar: This earthy Middle Eastern spice blend is the flavour of the year. Make your own by mixing 3 tbsp thyme with 3 tbsp sesame seeds, 2 tsp sumac or lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.

Courtesy Claire Tansey

www.chatelaine.com

@chatelaine

Photo credit: Erik Putz