Pomegranate-Braised Lamb Shoulder Chops
Lamb shoulder chops are braised in pomegranate juice and aged balsamic vinegar with onion, garlic, rosemary, red pepper, and mint, creating a rich, tangy sauce balanced by honey. Pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, and pumpkin seeds add a bright finish, while the lamb is served over polenta, potatoes, or rice for a warming dinner.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook2 hrs 30 mins
- Serves6
- DifficultyMedium
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Pomegranate-Braised Lamb Shoulder Chops, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactPoor
- 29 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 15 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 53 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Unprocessed or minimally processed
- 1 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 42
- Heart Health
- 51
- Metabolic
- 14
- Digestive
- 43
- Inflammatory
- 60
- Performance
- 27
- General Wellness
- 1
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
- 2
Generously season lamb chops with salt and black pepper.
- 3
Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over high heat. Place lamb chops in the Dutch oven and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer lamb to a plate and reduce heat to medium.
- 4
Stir onion and a pinch of salt into the Dutch oven; cook until the onion is slightly golden, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- 5
Pour pomegranate juice into the Dutch oven and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Pour in balsamic vinegar, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil.
- 6
Stir mint leaves, rosemary, and red pepper flakes into the pomegranate juice mixture. Continue to boil until the liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Return lamb and any accumulated juices to the Dutch oven, spoon the pomegranate mixture over the lamb, and cover.
- 7
Cook in the preheated oven until lamb is fork-tender, about 2 hours.
- 8
Transfer lamb to a plate and set the Dutch oven on the stovetop over high heat. Bring the pomegranate mixture to a boil; cook, skimming off any fat that accumulates, until the liquid is reduced by 1/3, about 5 minutes.
- 9
Stir in honey and season with salt and black pepper. Return lamb to the Dutch oven and stir to combine. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, sliced mint leaves, and pumpkin seeds.
- Calories 702.06 kcal High 35%
- Protein 71.35 g Good Source 143%
- Carbohydrate 22.43 g 8%
- Total Fat 36.09 g High 46%
- Saturated Fat 12.94 g High 65%
- Trans Fat 1.19 g High --
- Cholesterol 224.62 mg High 75%
- Sodium 141.01 mg Moderate 6%
- Dietary Fiber 0.65 g Low Source 2%
- Total Sugars 17.67 g --
- Added Sugars 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 110.15 mg Low Source 8%
- Iron 4.62 mg Good Source 26%
- Potassium 720.2 mg Moderate 15%
- Vitamin A 24.55 mcg Low Source 3%
- Vitamin C 1.26 mg Low Source 1%
- Vitamin D 0.47 mcg Low Source 2%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Pomegranate Braised Lamb Shoulder Chops is made with 15 ingredients and serves 6. It takes about 2 hrs 45 mins and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Balsamic Vinegar, Black Pepper, Dried Rosemary, and Fresh Mint. Each serving provides about 702.06 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Pomegranate-Braised Lamb Shoulder Chops made of?
- The main ingredients are Balsamic Vinegar, Black Pepper, Dried Rosemary, Fresh Mint, Garlic. The full list of 15 is above.
- How long does it take to make Pomegranate-Braised Lamb Shoulder Chops?
- About 2 hrs 45 mins in total: 15 mins to prepare and 2 hrs 30 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 702.06 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Pomegranate-Braised Lamb Shoulder Chops easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 15 ingredients and 9 steps.
- Is Pomegranate-Braised Lamb Shoulder Chops healthy?
- Pomegranate-Braised Lamb Shoulder Chops has an easyChef Pro health score of 34/100. Per serving, it provides 702.06 calories and 71.35 g of protein, or 143% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of iron. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 141.01 mg (6% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 12.94 g (65% of the Daily Value). It contains Garlic and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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