Grilled Raspberry Chipotle Lamb Chops

Rock Star, Money, Bomb and any other weird wild and outrageous term you have heard covers this dish. Tender, earthy flavor of the chop along with the rich flavor of the sauce does the trick. The Raspberry Chipotle sauce has incredible versatility; but, to me it pairs best with Lamb and Pork.

Lamb Preparation

2 large garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Pinch cayenne pepper or smoked paprika
Coarse sea salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 lamb chops, about 3/4-inch thick

Directions
1. In a food processor add the garlic, rosemary, thyme, cayenne, and salt. Pulse until combined.
2. Pour in oil and pulse to a paste. Rub on both sides of chops and marinate at least 1 hour in refrigerator.
3. Remove from refrigerator and allow chops to come to room temperature; it will take about 20 minutes.
4. Heat grill pan over high heat until almost smoking, add the chops and sear for about 2 minutes.
5. Flip the chops over and cook for another 3 minutes for medium-rare and 3 1/2 minutes for medium.

Raspberry Chipotle Glaze
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup small diced onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons chipotle chiles in adobo
2 pints fresh raspberries, rinsed
1/2 cup raspberry vinegar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions
1. In a saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, stirring, until soft and caramelized (4 min)
2. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add the chipotles and cook, stirring continuously, for 1 minute.
3. Add the raspberries and cook until soft, 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the vinegar and stir to deglaze the pan.
5. Add sugar, salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, simmer until thickened and reduced by half
6. Remove from the heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.

Substitutions & Suggestions
Really nothing to add or suggest here. Use center cut pork loin if you wish or do not have lamb chops handy. This dish is perfect as is . . .