Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Mustard & Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb

Drew and I are rebounding from a series of events that has left us very tired and bit saddened. I haven't been in the mood to cook for a week but that all changed when Drew came home from Costco yesterday. We used to keep lamb on-hand at all times but lately we have been eating a ton of steak. He brought a rack home and tonight I am dusting off my apron and cooking a nice meal at home. Here's what's on the menu...


Mustard & Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
Epi
Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

  • 1 1/2 cups fine fresh bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 frenched racks of lamb (8 ribs and 1 1/2 lb each rack), trimmed of all but a thin layer of fat, then brought to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Preparation

Stir together bread crumbs, parsley, mint, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then drizzle with 2 1/2 tablespoons oil and toss until combined well.

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat to 400°F.

Season lamb with salt and pepper. Heat remaining tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown lamb 1 rack at a time, turning once, about 4 minutes per rack. Transfer to a 13- by 9- by 2-inch roasting pan, arranging fatty sides up.

Spread fatty sides of each rack with 2 teaspoons mustard. Divide bread crumb mixture into 3 portions and pat each portion over mustard coating on each rack, gently pressing to adhere.

Roast lamb until thermometer inserted diagonally 2 inches into center (do not touch bone) registers 130°F (for medium-rare), 20 to 25 minutes, and transfer to a cutting board. Let stand 10 minutes, then cut into chops.


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