Lamb chops with Medjool dates

Ingredients

1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. coriander
1/2 tsp. each cinnamon, allspice and salt
1/4 tsp. each black pepper, white pepper and ginger
Pinch of saffron threads
2 cups water
1/2 cup pure honey
3 to 4 fresh Medjool dates, chopped
12 bone-in lamb chops
24 fresh whole pitted Medjool dates
About 40 whole roasted almonds
2 tbsp. sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

In a large pan, sauté onions in olive oil. Stir in spices, water, honey and chopped dates. Cover and bring to a boil. When mixture comes to a boil, add lamb chops and let cook, uncovered, until lamb is done, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, stuff 1 almond into each whole date, reserving remaining almonds for garnish. When lamb is done, gently add stuffed dates and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. For each serving, place 3 lamb chops and 6 stuffed dates on each plate. Top with sauce and garnish with remaining almonds and sesame seeds.

Serves 4