Halloween
Ingredients (4)
- 2 (14- to 16-ounce) frenched racks of lamb, with 8 bones per rack
- 3 medium fresh rosemary sprigs, leaves stripped and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 bunch fresh thyme, leaves stripped and coarsely chopped
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Roasted racks of lamb are the ultimate dinner-party dish, with a wow factor that’s easy to achieve since many butchers sell the racks frenched and ready to go. Chef Neal Fraser of Grace and BLD restaurants in Los Angeles gave us this simple recipe. The racks marinate overnight in thyme and rosemary for subtle yet full-flavored chops. Try serving these with tasty Olive Potatoes or Farro Risotto with Asparagus and Fava Beans.
What to buy: The term frenched refers to a way of trimming the lamb racks so that the bone end of each chop is cleanly exposed. You can ask your butcher to do this for you.
Instructions
- 1Using a sharp knife, trim all but a thin layer of fat from the lamb, then carefully score the fat side of each rack in a crosshatch pattern. Combine herbs with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and rub the mixture all over the lamb. Season well with freshly ground black pepper, place the racks in a baking dish, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
- 2Heat the oven to 425°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Uncover lamb and season well with salt. Let sit at room temperature while the oven heats, at least 20 minutes, then blot lightly with a paper towel.
- 3Heat a large oven-safe frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat. When hot, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- 4Place lamb racks in the pan, fat side down, and sear until lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat and stand racks up in the pan by “nesting,” or propping one rack against the other with the bones crisscrossing and the seared, fat-covered sides facing out.
- 5Place the pan in the oven and roast for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 325°F. Continue roasting until the internal temperature of each rack is 130°F for medium rare, about 5 to 10 minutes more. Remove from the oven and allow to rest 7 to 10 minutes before carving. Cut each rack between the bones into 4 double chops and serve.
Beverage pairing: Eric Texier Côte Rôtie Vieilles Vignes, France. This classic and tasty cut of lamb deserves a great partner, so treat yourself to this fine Syrah from one of the famed schist and granite slopes of France’s northern Rhône. The wine’s evocation of violets, herbs, roasted meats, and blackberry will make the lamb sing.