pesto stuffed lamb chops

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chilled basil pesto
• 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
• 4 bone-in lamb loin chops, 1 1/4-inch thick
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 45 mins Ready Time: 1 hr


• preheat oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c).
• mix feta cheese, basil pesto, and pine nuts in a bowl. use the tip of a sharp boning or paring knife to cut a 3-inch slit in the side of each lamb chop, 2 inches deep and 1/4-inch away from the bone, to make a pocket for stuffing. stuff lamb chops with pesto filling and secure with toothpicks.
• mix black pepper, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme in a small bowl; rub both sides of each chop with the spice mix. place chops into a shallow baking dish.
• bake in the preheated oven until chops are browned and stuffing is hot, about 40 minutes. an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the stuffing should read 145 degrees f (63 degrees c). brush chops with balsamic vinegar and bake until vinegar forms a glaze, another 5 minutes.