Rack Of Lamb With Pesto Crumbs Recipes

RACK OF LAMB WITH MINT-BASIL PESTO

Steps:

• Blend the mint, basil, nuts, cheese, lemon juice, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper in a food processor until the herbs are finely chopped. With the machine running, gradually blend in 1/3 cup of oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Generously sprinkle the lamb racks with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a grill pan or heavy large skillet over high heat. Place 1 lamb rack in the skillet and cook just until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the lamb rack meat side up on a heavy large baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining 2 lamb racks.
• Roast the lamb in the oven until cooked to desired doneness, about 20 minutes for medium-rare. Transfer the lamb racks to a work surface. Set aside for 10 minutes. Cut the lamb between the bones into single chops. Spread the pesto over 1 cut side of each chop. Arrange the chops, pesto side up, on plates or a platter, and serve.
• Do-Ahead Tip: The pesto and lamb racks may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead. Cover the pesto and lamb separately and refrigerate. Allow extra time for the chilled lamb to roast.
• Alternately, the racks of lamb can be sliced then broiled before serving. To broil the lamb: Use 18 to 24 meaty single lamb rib chops (about 2 1/2 ounces each, from 3 racks of lamb). Preheat the broiler. Arrange the lamb chops in a single layer over 2 heavy baking sheets. Lightly brush the lamb chops with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Watching closely, broil the lamb chops 3 inches from the heat source until cooked to desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Spread the pesto over the chops. Arrange the chops pesto side up on plates or a platter, and serve.
• RECOMMENDED WINE #1: Boroli Barolo 1998
• REGION/ORIGIN: Barolo, Piedmont
• GRAPE/VARIETAL: Nebbiolo
• RECOMMENDED WINE #2: Avignonesi Vino Nobile d'Montepulciano 2001
• REGION/ORIGIN: Montepulciano, Tuscany
• GRAPE/VARIETAL: Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile - local clone of sangiovese)

HERB-CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°. In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, parsley, thyme and garlic. Add oil and toss; set aside. Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, brown meat on both sides. Brush mustard over top of meat, then roll in crumb mixture., Place racks in a shallow baking pan side by side with bones interlaced resting against each other. Bake 30-40 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°). Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

RACK OF LAMB WITH PESTO CRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Season lamb with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread the pesto over the surface of the meat. Coat the meat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, packing them down lightly with your hands. Cover the exposed bones with aluminum foil and place lamb, breadcrumb side up, on a baking sheet.
• Roast lamb for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake 20 minutes longer. Remove lamb from oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then dust lightly with salt. Slice into thick double chops or single chops. Serve immediately.

ROASTED RACK OF LAMB WITH MINT PESTO

Steps:

• Let the lamb come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before you are ready to roast. Season the lamb on all sides with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a heatproof handle over medium-high heat. Put the rack into the pan, fat side down, and sear it until it is browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the rack over and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Put the pan into the oven, and roast the lamb until it is medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 125 to 130 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the lamb from the oven, cover it with foil, and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing into chops. Serve with the Mint Pesto.
• Combine all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is almost smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper, to taste. The pesto may be made 1 day ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring the pesto to room temperature before serving.

RACK OF LAMB

Steps:

• Sear rack of lamb all over in skillet that can be used in the oven.
• With food processor running, drop shallot and garlic into top tube and process until finely minced.
• Add parsley and process until finely chopped.
• Add pieces of fresh bread (about one slice) and process to fine crumbs.
• Remove from processor to a bowl and mix in melted butter.
• Pat bread crumb mixture onto top of rack of lamb.
• Roast at 450° for 15 to 20 minutes.
• If crumbs brown too quickly, turn oven down to 425°.
• Test with oven thermometer until done to your liking (My preference is to serve these medium with interior temperature to 160).