A delicious adventure for your taste buds awaits with succulent lamb chops seasoned with thyme, cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes served with harissa fried couscous on the side. You'll be shocked how much flavor can come from a few simple ingredients. A variation of this Middle Eastern inspired dinner was first featured in 2016. Smarts:Leftover couscous from Monday's dinner helps this meal come together quickly.
Make spice mix - Combine salt, black pepper, thyme, cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Onions / Sun-dried tomatoes / Broccoli / Garlic / Olives - Prep as directed. Store onions and sun-dried tomatoes together. Store other ingredients separately. (Can be done up to 5 days ahead)
Season lamb - Rub lamb chops on all sides with spice mix. (Can be done 1 day ahead)
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil (portion for lamb) and then lamb chops. Sear on all sides until golden brown and cooked to your liking (130F / 54C degrees for medium-rare, 140F / 60C for medium, and 150F / 66C degrees for well-done).
Let lamb rest, covered, while preparing couscous.
Return skillet to heat.
To heated skillet add oil (portion for couscous) and then onions, harissa paste, and sun-dried tomatoes. Saute for ~2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add baby broccoli and saute until cooked to your liking, 2 to 4 minutes.
Stir in garlic and leftover couscous. Cook until couscous is warmed through.
Finish couscous with olives, cilantro, and lemon juice. Season with some salt and pepper.