Asian Lollipop Lamb Chops

Ingredients

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 3/4 cup fresh garlic
• minced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• minced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
• Salt
• 8 to 12 lamb chops (2 to 3 per person)
• One 12-ounce bag fusilli pasta
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 medium zucchini
• julienned
• 1 medium carrot
• peeled and julienned
• 6 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• chopped
• Salt and ground pepper

Instructions

1. For the lamb chops: Combine the brown sugar, garlic, cilantro, soy sauce, ginger, chili pepper, Chinese five spice and salt to taste.
2. Massage into the lamb chops for 5 to 10 minutes, and then let marinate 4 to 6 hours in the refrigerator.
3. For the pasta: Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions.
4. Drain.
5. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
6. Cook the garlic for 1 minute without browning, and then add the zucchini and carrots.
7. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Add the drained pasta and cook for another minute.
9. Add the heavy cream, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
10. Just before serving, add the cilantro, Parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
11. Heat the broiler and broil the chops to the doneness of your liking, 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium rare.
12. Serve 2 or 3 chops over each serving of pasta.