Fast, cozy and impressive: juicy lamb loin chops get a savory‑sweet crust from Dijon and Medjool dates, then roast in the oven alongside a tray of winter vegetables—Brussels sprouts, carrots, and Yukon golds. Everything cooks on two pans in under an hour, perfect for a December weeknight that still feels a little special.
Details
Ingredients
- Simple Truth® Natural Lamb Loin Chops 4 chops, about 6 oz total per person $13.49/lb (on sale) – use about 3/4 lb (4 small chops)
- Kosher salt and black pepper to season lamb and vegetables pantry
- Olive oil 3 tbsp, divided pantry
- Garlic, minced (Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs) 3 cloves $2.79 / 3 ct
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional if you have it) 1 tbsp finely chopped seasonal herb
- Dijon mustard 1 1/2 tbsp pantry
- Simple Truth Organic® Whole Medjool Dates, pitted and finely chopped 3 large dates $6.99 / 12 oz
- Fresh lemon (zest only, optional) 1/2 tsp zest pantry/produce
- Fresh Brussels Sprouts 10 oz, trimmed and halved $3.99 / lb or 24 oz bag $6.00
- Organic Carrots Bunch or Simple Truth Organic® Whole Carrots Bag 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2" chunks $2.99/bunch or $3.29/2 lb bag
- Organic Yukon Gold Potatoes 3 small potatoes (about 12 oz), cut into 3/4" chunks $4.99 / 3 lb bag
- Organic Jumbo Yellow Onion 1/2 large onion, cut into 1-inch wedges $2.19 / lb
- Smoked paprika (optional) 1/2 tsp pantry
- Dried oregano or thyme 1/2 tsp pantry
Instructions
- Prep: Heat oven to 425°F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment or lightly oil them.
- Prep vegetables: Trim Brussels sprouts and halve. Peel carrots and cut into 1/2-inch slices on a bias. Scrub or peel Yukon gold potatoes and cut into 3/4-inch chunks. Cut onion into 1-inch wedges, keeping some root intact so pieces hold together.
- Season vegetables: On the first sheet pan, toss Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes, and onion with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Spread in an even layer, cut sides of sprouts down for best browning.
- Start roasting vegetables: Place pan in oven and roast 15 minutes while you prepare the lamb.
- Make lamb crust: In a small bowl combine minced garlic, chopped dates, Dijon mustard, chopped rosemary/thyme, lemon zest (if using), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Mash with a fork until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
- Season lamb: Pat lamb loin chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place on the second sheet pan (or in a lightly oiled small roasting pan), leaving a little space between chops.
- Add crust: Divide the date‑Dijon mixture over the tops of the lamb chops, pressing it on firmly in a 1/4-inch layer. It’s okay if some spills onto the pan; it will caramelize into tasty bits.
- Roast together: After the vegetables have roasted 15 minutes, remove the oven rack with veggies, toss them, and return to the oven along with the pan of lamb. Roast everything for another 12–15 minutes, until lamb is 135°F in the center for medium (use an instant‑read thermometer) and vegetables are tender and deeply golden at the edges. If veggies need more color, leave them in 5 minutes longer while the lamb rests.
- Rest lamb: Transfer lamb chops to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest 5–8 minutes so juices redistribute.
- Finish and serve: Taste roasted vegetables and adjust with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed. Spoon veggies onto warm plates and top each plate with 2 lamb chops. Drizzle any pan juices over the top and serve immediately.
Health notes: Approx. 750–850 calories per serving. High in protein and iron from lamb; good fiber and vitamins from Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes. Moderate saturated fat and sodium—leaner if you trim visible lamb fat and go easy on added salt.
Drink pairing: A Washington Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah (look for Columbia Valley producers like Chateau Ste. Michelle or Hedges) will stand up to the lamb and roasted veggies.