Grilled Lamb Chops with Roasted Garlic

Ingredients

Robert Wiedmaier adds a little bit of cumin to the garlicky marinade on these chops, which highlights the lamb's slightly gamey flavor. He accompanies each serving with half a head of roasted garlic; the sweet caramelized cloves are delicious on their own or blended into the silky white bean puree he serves as a side dish.

1. ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2. 4 thyme sprigs
3. 1 garlic clove, minced, plus 2 heads of garlic, halved crosswise
4. 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary leaves
5. ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
6. 8 lamb loin chops
7. Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. In a large, shallow dish, combine the ¼ cup of olive oil with the thyme, minced garlic, rosemary and cumin. Add the lamb chops and turn to coat with the marinade. Refrigerate overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°. Set the halved heads of garlic cut side up on a large sheet of foil and drizzle with oil. Wrap the garlic in the foil and roast for 1 hour, until tender.
3. Light a grill. Remove the chops from the marinade; discard the thyme and scrape off the garlic. Season the chops with salt and pepper and grill over moderate heat until lightly charred and medium-rare, 5 minutes per side. Serve the chops with the roasted garlic and White Bean Puree.

Recipe Credit: Robert Wiedmaier for Food & Wine, Photo: Con Poulos