Visit an Indian market to find various blends of garam masala, a popular spice mix. You'll also find it in the specialty-spice section at the supermarket or at Indian markets on the Web like www.kalustyans.com.

Makes 4 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 35 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Moderate

1 1/4 cups water
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 tablespoon garam masala
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 rack of lamb, exterior fat trimmed
3/4 cup whole-wheat couscous (see Ingredient note)
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted if desired
1/4 cup sliced fresh mint
1/4 cup lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 450F. Bring water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Mix garam masala, 1 teaspoon oil, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub into lamb. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large, ovenproof, nonstick skillet over high heat. Cook the lamb, skin-side down, until browned on one side, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn it over and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast the lamb until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 145F for medium-rare, 6 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing into chops.
3. Meanwhile, stir couscous, apricots and raisins into the boiling water. Return to a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer, cover and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in pine nuts, mint, lemon juice and the remaining 2 teaspoons oil. Serve the couscous with the lamb.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 435 calories; 15 g fat (3 g sat, 7 g mono); 62 mg cholesterol; 51 g carbohydrate; 27 g protein; 7 g fiber; 530 mg sodium.
Nutrition bonus: Selenium (31% daily value), Zinc (20% dv), Vitamin C (15% dv).

TIP: Ingredient Note: Couscous resembles a grain, but these granules of semolina meal are actually a type of pasta. A staple throughout North Africa, it is traditionally steamed over broth but is now available in a precooked form that only requires 5 minutes of soaking in hot broth or water. Whole-wheat couscous can be found in natural-foods stores and large supermarkets.