Rack of Lamb with Herb and Mustard Crust
Coated with a simple herb crust, rack of lamb makes a dramatic presentation, especially when cut into double chops for serving. Serve alongside simply roasted seasonal vegetables and you're prepared for an elegant dinner party with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of lamb, frenched, each with 8 ribs (about 2 1/2 lb./1.25 kg total)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 1/2 cups (3 oz./90 g) fresh bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup (1/3 oz./10 g) chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 2 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
- 1 Tbs. chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
Directions:
Season the racks of lamb with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. In a bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, mint, rosemary, salt and pepper.
Preheat an oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the meaty side of each lamb rack with 1 Tbs. mustard. Pack the bread crumb mixture onto the meaty side.
In a large fry pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until just smoking. Add the lamb racks, bread-crumb side down, and brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Place the racks, bread-crumb side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Transfer to the oven and roast until the crust is nicely browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone, registers 130°F for medium-rare, 20 to 25 minutes, or until done to your liking.
Transfer the lamb to a carving board, cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 15 minutes. Carve the racks into double chops and serve immediately. Serves 8.
Williams-Sonoma Test Kitchen