- 4 cups thawed and drained frozen rhubarb, or about 6 stalks fresh rhubarb
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup honey, or more to taste
- ¼ cup apple-cider or sherry vinegar
- ½ cup golden raisins
- 1 fresh jalapeño chile, seeded and coarsely chopped, or more to taste (wear gloves to prevent irritation)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 8 whole cardamom pods (white or green), tied together in cheesecloth or in a tea ball
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Twelve 4-ounce loin or rib lamb chops, trimmed of fat and cut about 1 inch thick
- 2 garlic cloves, cut into slivers
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black peppercorns
- Direct Heat
- To make the chutney, stir together the rhubarb, onion, honey, vinegar, raisins, jalapeño, garlic, and the cardamom bag in a medium saucepan. Add the water, place over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rhubarb is extremely tender. Taste it to see whether you want it sweeter or hotter. If the rhubarb is especially tart, add more honey. Stir in a teaspoon and then taste. If the chutney seems mild, add 1 or 2 more chopped jalapeños. If you add either, continue cooking for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from the heat, fish out the cheesecloth bag, and stir in the cilantro. Serve this chutney warm, at room temperature, or cold.
- Pat the lamb chops dry. Insert slivers of garlic into each one by making small cuts with a paring knife and poking in the garlic. Brush the tops lightly with half the olive oil, and pat on half the cracked peppercorns. Turn the chops over, brush with the remaining oil, and press in the remaining pepper. Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
- Oil the grill racks. Preheat your grill using all burners set on high and with the lid closed for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Place the lamb chops on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. The lamb should give slightly when touched with your finger, indicating medium-rare to medium, or the internal temperature should register 135°F to 140°F. You don’t want to overcook. Remove to a platter and pass the rhubarb chutney.