Spiced Lamb Chops in Yogurt Sauce

1. Prepare the Lamb Chops

Trim any excess fat from the lamb chops and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure they brown evenly when seared. In a nonmetallic bowl, mix the yogurt with water until smooth and set it aside.

2. Brown the Lamb Chops

Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the lamb chops and brown them on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chops and set them aside.

3. Fry the Spices

Reduce the heat to medium and add the whole spices: black peppercorns, cloves, bay leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and dried hot red peppers if using. Fry them for about 20 seconds or until the bay leaves turn a darker shade.

4. Add Ginger, Garlic, and Parsley

Add the minced ginger and garlic to the pot. Fry these for about a minute until they become fragrant. Then, stir in the chopped Chinese parsley and cook for another minute.

5. Return Lamb Chops and Add Yogurt Mixture

Return the browned lamb chops to the pot, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Pour the yogurt-water mixture over the lamb chops, making sure they are well-coated. Add the salt and stir gently to combine everything.

6. Simmer the Lamb Chops

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for an hour, stirring gently every 10 minutes to ensure the lamb cooks evenly and the flavors meld together.

7. Serve the Lamb Chops

To serve, you can accompany the spiced lamb chops with Rice with Peas, Cucumber Raita, green beans, or plain boiled potatoes. Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this dish!