Pan-Seared Lamb with Warm Apricot & Chickpea Quinoa
Tender, iron-rich lamb chops served over a vibrant and nutty quinoa salad, tossed with sweet dried apricots, protein-packed chickpeas, and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. A deeply satisfying and nutritionally complete meal.
1780 calories
$12 per serving
$35 min
2 servings
pregnancy-friendly, any cuisine
Ingredients
- 4 small lamb chops (approx. 400g total)
- 150g quinoa, rinsed
- 300ml vegetable broth or water
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 60g dried apricots, chopped
- 100g fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 lemon, juice only
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1.In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- 2.While the quinoa cooks, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 2-3 tablespoons of water until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt.
- 3.Pat the lamb chops dry and season generously with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
- 4.Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lamb chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium, or until cooked to your desired doneness (ensure it is fully cooked through for pregnancy safety).
- 5.In a large bowl, combine the warm cooked quinoa, drained chickpeas, chopped apricots, and fresh spinach. The heat from the quinoa will gently wilt the spinach.
- 6.Pour the lemon-tahini dressing over the quinoa salad and toss everything to combine.
- 7.Divide the quinoa salad between two plates and top with the pan-seared lamb chops. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
98g
fat
120g
carbs
25g
fiber
95g
protein
Why this recipe
This recipe is excellent for pregnancy, providing high-quality protein and iron from lamb to support blood volume. Quinoa, chickpeas, and spinach are packed with folate, crucial for fetal development, and fiber for digestive health. A truly nourishing and balanced meal.
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