Mint and lamb are a natural flavor pairing, and using a more unusual type of fresh mint and basil creates a new twist on the classic rack of lamb recipe.
Prep Time25 minsCook Time25 minsTotal Time50 mins
PESTO
1 cup unsalted almonds, toasted
1 cup freshly grated Pecorino-Romano cheese
1 cup almond oil
4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs, browned in clarified butter (see Note)
1 ½ fresh chocolate or pineapple mint leaves
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
3 medium garlic cloves, sliced
LAMB
2 racks American Lamb, Frenched
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp Dijon-style mustard
1 cup panko breadcrumbs, pulsed through a food processor
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 tbsp minced fresh rosemary
PESTO
1In a food processor, add the almonds, cheese, oil, and the browned breadcrumbs and pulse until pureed. Add the mint, basil, and garlic and process to a smooth texture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
LAMB
2Season the lamb racks with salt and pepper. Preheat the oven to 380°F.
Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over high heat and sear the lamb for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from oven and let the racks cool slightly.
3Coat the lamb with 1 tablespoon of the mustard. Mix the remaining mustard with the breadcrumbs, parsley, and rosemary. Press the mixture on the lamb.
4Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the coating to form a crust. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the lamb to rest for 5 minutes.
TO SERVE
5Carve the lamb into chops and serve with a heaping tablespoon of Almond Mint Pesto.
NOTE
6Clarified butter is butter that has had the milk solids and water removed, creating a higher smoke point. It is easy to make at home but you can also find it prepared in the dairy section of some grocery stores.
Ingredients
PESTO
1 cup unsalted almonds, toasted
1 cup freshly grated Pecorino-Romano cheese
1 cup almond oil
4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs, browned in clarified butter (see Note)
1 ½ fresh chocolate or pineapple mint leaves
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
3 medium garlic cloves, sliced
LAMB
2 racks American Lamb, Frenched
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp Dijon-style mustard
1 cup panko breadcrumbs, pulsed through a food processor
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 tbsp minced fresh rosemary
Directions
PESTO
1In a food processor, add the almonds, cheese, oil, and the browned breadcrumbs and pulse until pureed. Add the mint, basil, and garlic and process to a smooth texture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
LAMB
2Season the lamb racks with salt and pepper. Preheat the oven to 380°F.
Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over high heat and sear the lamb for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from oven and let the racks cool slightly.
3Coat the lamb with 1 tablespoon of the mustard. Mix the remaining mustard with the breadcrumbs, parsley, and rosemary. Press the mixture on the lamb.
4Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the coating to form a crust. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the lamb to rest for 5 minutes.
TO SERVE
5Carve the lamb into chops and serve with a heaping tablespoon of Almond Mint Pesto.
NOTE
6Clarified butter is butter that has had the milk solids and water removed, creating a higher smoke point. It is easy to make at home but you can also find it prepared in the dairy section of some grocery stores.
American Rack of Lamb with Almond Mint Pesto
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