If you want to impress your guests (especially the guys) this rack of lamb recipe will do the trick! Simple with few ingredients, this dish is great to make as an appetizer or a main entrée. The secret to this recipe is the homemade breadcrumbs made with a good loaf of rosemary bread. You can find it at most specialty stores.
Ingredients:
2 french cut racks of lamb, about 1 ½ pounds each with a thin layer of fat
1 loaf rosemary bread, crusts removed to make 2 cups bread crumbs
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup Dijon Mustard
sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Generously salt and pepper the rack of lambs on both sides. Set aside and bring to room temperature, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Tear bread and place in food processor. Pulse until bread crumbs form. Pour 2 cups of the bread crumbs in a medium bowl and mix in garlic powder and ¼ cup olive oil. A wet consistency will form.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast iron or other heavy large pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Sear lamb one at a time fat side down first until nicely browned turning once, about 5 minutes total per rack. Add additional oil if needed. Place rack of lamb on a foiled oven proof pan. Spread mustard on both sides of the meat part of the lambs, excluding the bones. Gently pack the bread crumb mixture evenly on both sides of the racks over the mustard coating. Roast lamb racks in the center of the oven side by side fat sides up until thermometer inserted into center (away from the bone) registers 130 degrees (for medium-rare), about 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest, loosely covered with foil for 10 minutes. Carve into chops and serve.
Makes 4-6 servings
Recipe courtesy of Melody Shammam at www.cookingwithmelody.com
