Fried Lamb Chops

Fried lamb chops are a hearty and delicious dish. Here’s how to prepare them with an Italian twist, for example, by breading them with a crust of Parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

• 8 lamb chops
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Flour, for dredging
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Breadcrumbs as needed
• 50 g of finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped rosemary
• 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped thyme
• Extra virgin olive oil, for frying

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning the lamb chops, removing any excess fat and ensuring they are Frenched (meaning the lower part of the bone is clean).
2. Season the chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Prepare three deep plates: in the first one pour some flour, in the second one the beaten eggs, and in the third one a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, rosemary, and thyme.
4. Dredge the chops first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure the breading sticks well to the meat.
5. Heat plenty of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. When the oil is hot, fry the breaded chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain them on paper towels to remove the excess oil.
8. Serve hot and, if you like, with a sprinkle of Maldon salt or sea salt flakes to enhance the flavor.

Curiosity

Frying chops is not a very common technique in Italy where grilling or baking is preferred. However, breading with aromatic herbs and Parmesan adds a tasty and crispy touch that pairs well with the tenderness of lamb meat. Moreover, if you want a lighter version, you can always opt for baking: after breading the chops, place them on a rack and cook in a preheated oven at 200 °C for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.