Ina Garten’s Dreamy Greek Lamb & Yogurt Mint Sauce Recipe

Succulent, herb-infused lamb takes center stage in this Ina Garten Greek lamb recipe that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.

Her carefully crafted marinade infuses each tender bite with robust flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of aromatic herbs and tangy yogurt mint sauce creates a harmony of tastes that elevates a simple meal into a gourmet experience.

lamb lovers will appreciate the depth of flavor from this classic recipe.

Fresh mint and creamy yogurt complement the rich meat perfectly.

The sauce adds a bright, cooling contrast to the warm, seasoned lamb.

Every bite tells a story of traditional Greek cuisine that you won’t want to miss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredient Essentials for Ina Garten Greek Lamb With Yogurt Mint Sauce

• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor that penetrates the lamb's richness.
• Rosemary: Brings earthy, pine-like aroma that complements lamb's intensity.
• Oregano: Contributes Mediterranean zest and herbal undertones.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps tenderize meat.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth to the marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Tenderizes meat and adds bright, citrusy brightness.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth marinade base and helps distribute flavors.
• Red Wine: Introduces complex, rich undertones to the meat.

• Lamb Chops: Select fresh, high-quality cuts with good marbling for maximum tenderness.

• Greek Yogurt: Creates creamy, tangy base with smooth texture.
• Fresh Mint: Delivers cool, refreshing herbal notes that balance lamb's richness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds zingy brightness to sauce.
• Salt: Balances and elevates sauce's overall flavor profile.

Tools to Cook Ina Garten Greek Lamb With Yogurt Mint Sauce

• Food processor: Essential for creating a smooth, well-blended marinade with herbs and spices.
• Grill or grill pan: Key for achieving those perfect, flavorful char marks on the lamb chops.
• Glass or ceramic dish: Ideal for marinating lamb, preventing any metallic taste and ensuring even coating.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing the cool, refreshing yogurt mint sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning salt, pepper, and other ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing herbs and handling lamb chops.
• Sharp knife: Used for chopping herbs and trimming lamb if necessary.
• Aluminum foil: Helps rest the lamb and keep it warm after grilling.
• Serving platter: Provides an elegant presentation for the cooked lamb chops.

How to Prepare Ina Garten Greek Lamb With Yogurt Mint Sauce

• Flavor Foundation

Create a zesty marinade blending fragrant herbs, tangy citrus, and rich wine to infuse the lamb with Mediterranean essence. Pulse garlic, rosemary, and oregano in a food processor until finely chopped, then incorporate liquid ingredients for a smooth, aromatic coating.

• Lamb Preparation

Nestle lamb chops in a ceramic dish, generously coating each piece with the vibrant marinade. Allow the meat to soak up the flavors by refrigerating for several hours or overnight, letting the herbs and wine work their magic.

• Grill Mastery

Fire up the grill to a searing medium-high temperature. Remove lamb from marinade, seasoning with a hearty sprinkle of salt and pepper. Grill each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the meat reaches your preferred level of doneness.

• Resting Interlude

Transfer the grilled lamb to a platter, tenting with foil. Let the meat relax and redistribute its delicious juices, creating a tender and succulent result.

• Cooling Companion

Whip together a bright, refreshing yogurt sauce combining cool mint, zesty lemon, and a touch of salt. This creamy condiment provides a tangy contrast to the rich, grilled lamb.

• Serving Celebration

Present the sizzling lamb chops alongside the chilled mint yogurt sauce, creating a stunning plate that captures the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.

Tips to Elevate Ina Garten Greek Lamb With Yogurt Mint Sauce

• Ensure lamb chops reach room temperature before grilling for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Let lamb soak in marinade for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked lamb.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or basil in the yogurt sauce, or add a pinch of cumin for a Middle Eastern twist.
• Serve with a bold red wine like Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, robust lamb flavors.

Serving Styles for Ina Garten Greek Lamb With Yogurt Mint Sauce

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese to complement the rich lamb flavors.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Grill or roast Mediterranean-style vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers as a colorful side dish.
• Create a Mezze Platter: Arrange hummus, olives, pita bread, and tzatziki around the lamb chops for a traditional Greek-inspired spread.
• Add Herbed Couscous: Prepare light, fluffy couscous mixed with fresh parsley, mint, and lemon zest to soak up the delicious yogurt mint sauce.

Storing Ina Garten Greek Lamb With Yogurt Mint Sauce Efficiently

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store marinated lamb chops in an airtight container for up to 2 days before cooking. Keep sealed in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor intensity.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap uncooked marinated lamb tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling to preserve texture and taste.
• Safeguard Leftovers: Cool grilled lamb completely before storing in sealed containers. Refrigerate cooked lamb chops for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to prevent drying out.
• Keep Sauce Crisp: Store yogurt mint sauce separately in a covered container. Refrigerate for maximum 2 days. Stir well before serving to restore original creamy consistency.

Elegant Ina Garten Greek Lamb With Yogurt Mint Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Greek lamb with yogurt mint sauce delivers Mediterranean elegance through succulent roasted meat and tangy herbed sauce. Home cooks can easily master this classic Greek dish that promises rich flavors and impressive presentation for special gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2 racks of lamb, frenched and cut into 8 chops each
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 3 tbsps chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 1.5 tsps dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 cups (120 ml/4 fl oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
• 0.5 cups (120 ml/4 fl oz) good olive oil
• 0.5 cups (120 ml/4 fl oz) dry red wine
• Yogurt Mint Sauce

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Pulverize garlic, rosemary, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Incorporate lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and red wine, blending until smooth and aromatic.
2. Marinating Process: Coat lamb chops thoroughly with prepared marinade in a glass or ceramic dish. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to intensify and penetrate the meat.
3. Grill Preparation: Establish hot charcoal or preheat gas grill to medium-high temperature (375-400°F). Remove lamb chops from marinade and season with additional salt and pepper.
4. Grilling Technique: Cook lamb chops 4-5 minutes per side to achieve medium-rare doneness, adjusting time based on thickness and desired meat temperature.
5. Resting and Sauce Creation: After grilling, tent lamb chops with foil for 10 minutes to redistribute juices. Simultaneously, whisk Greek yogurt with fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, and salt to craft a zesty mint sauce.
6. Serving Presentation: Plate hot lamb chops alongside chilled mint yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let lamb chops soak in the marinade overnight for an intense, deep taste that penetrates the meat thoroughly.
• Grill Temperature Precision: Maintain medium-high heat (375-400°F) to achieve perfect caramelization and ensure tender, juicy lamb chops without drying out.
• Rest Meat for Optimal Tenderness: Allow grilled lamb to rest under foil for 10 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and guarantees a moist, succulent texture.
• Sauce Preparation Tip: Chill yogurt mint sauce briefly before serving to allow flavors to meld and create a more harmonious, refreshing accompaniment to the grilled lamb.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg