Nut-free Parsley Pesto and Lamb Chops
This pesto made with parsley and sharp Pecorino Romano cheese makes a colorful topping for tender lamb chops. It could also be tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or mixed with cream cheese for a dip to serve with crudités.
For pesto:
2 cups packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (2 ounces)
1 small garlic clove, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for storing (optional)
Freshly ground pepper
For Lamb:
8 lamb loin chops (each 4 ounces and 1 inch thick)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup Parsley Pesto (recipe below)
Tip: Pesto keeps very well in the freezer, so it’s worth making extra. Freeze it in small airtight containers, covered with a thin layer of olive oil. Defrost in the refrigerator before using.
For pesto: In a food processor, finely chop parsley, cheese, and garlic. With the motor running, add oil in a slow, steady stream; season with pepper. Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and cover with a thin layer of oil; refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Makes 1/2 cup.
For lamb: Heat a large skillet over medium. Pat dry lamb with paper towels. Season chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Cook (in two batches, if necessary) 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Serve immediately, topped with pesto. Prep time: 15 minutes. Total time: 15 minutes. Serves 4.
Excerpted from Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast by Martha Stewart Living Copyright © 2010 by Martha Stewart Living. Photo Copyright © 2010 by Kana Okada. Excerpted by permission of Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House of Canada Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
