Lamb Chops With Mint Risotto

1. 1

   In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, combine butter and shallots and stir until shallots are limp, about 1 minute. Add rice and stir until some of the grains are opaque, about 2 minutes longer.

2. 2

   Add lemon peel and 4 cups broth to pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until rice is tender to bite, about 15 minutes.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, in a 10- to 12-inch ovenproof frying pan over high heat, rub fatty side of chops in pan to lightly oil, then lay chops in pan and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Put pan with chops in a 400u00b0 oven. Bake until meat is medium-rare (pink) in center of thickest part (cut to test), about 15 minutes, or medium (only slightly pink), about 20 minutes. Skim and discard fat from pan.

5. 5

   Return pan with chops to high heat. Add garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Shake pan and stir to release browned bits, then stir in 1/4 cup mint and remove from heat.

6. 6

   If rice is cooked before lamb is ready, turn heat to very low and stir in about 1/4 cup broth. Stir lemon juice and most of the remaining mint into rice, and if you want a creamier texture, a little more broth. Serve rice with lamb and pan juices, sprinkled with the final bits of mint.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.