Rack of Lamb with Chive Crust
A rack of lamb is the epitome of elegance, and it never fails to impress at a dinner gathering. This recipe takes advantage of the lamb’s natural tenderness and flavor while adding a fresh and zesty chive crust that enhances its richness. With a quick and easy preparation method and just a few ingredients, it’s the perfect dish for a special occasion, especially when you want to make an impression without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or a sophisticated weeknight meal, this rack of lamb will always stand out as the star of the show.
Recipe Details
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Recipe Category | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 30 minutes | Lamb/Sheep | 4 servings |
Description: A rack of lamb always means guests for dinner for me. An elegant presentation, but not a lot of work. This simple, yet flavorful, recipe makes a delicious, juicy rack of lamb coated with a fragrant chive crust, finished with a glossy sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh chives | ½ cup |
| Fresh mint | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic clove, minced | 2 cloves |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon zest | Zest of 1 lemon |
| Racks of lamb | 2 racks |
| Butter (divided) | 1 tablespoon (for crust) + 4 tablespoons (for sauce) |
| White wine | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Lemon juice | ¼ cup (for sauce) |
| Butter (for sauce) | 1 tablespoon |
| Mint jelly | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 392.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 35.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 22 g |
| Cholesterol | 91.4 mg |
| Sodium | 347.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 2.3 g |
Instructions
Preparing the Lamb:
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the lamb will cook evenly and develop a beautifully crisp crust.
-
Make the chive crust: In a small bowl, combine the fresh chives, mint, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine. If the mixture seems too dry, add a small amount of water, a teaspoon at a time, until it forms a paste-like consistency.
-
Season the lamb: Lightly season the racks of lamb with salt and pepper. This will help balance the rich, flavorful crust and ensure the lamb is properly seasoned.
-
Press the crust: Take the chive mixture and press it firmly over the fatty side of each rack of lamb. Make sure to coat the lamb evenly, ensuring that each side of the racks has a generous layer of the chive paste.
-
Drizzle with butter: Melt the 1 tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the crusted racks of lamb. The butter will help the crust brown beautifully and add richness to the meat.
-
Place in the oven: Arrange the lamb racks in a baking dish, crust side up. Roast in the preheated oven for about ¾ to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (for medium-rare) or 135°F (for medium). The lamb should be juicy and tender with a golden-brown crust.
-
Rest the meat: Once the lamb is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful when sliced.
Making the Sauce:
-
Prepare the pan sauce: After removing the lamb, drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the juices from the roasting pan. Place the pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
-
Add liquid to the pan: Stir in the white wine and water into the remaining juices. Bring to a boil, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan, which will enhance the flavor of your sauce.
-
Reduce the sauce: Allow the sauce to boil until it is reduced by half. This will concentrate the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
-
Add sweetness and acidity: Stir in the brown sugar and lemon juice, and let it cook for an additional minute to dissolve the sugar completely. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice if necessary to balance the sweetness.
-
Finish the sauce: Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is smooth and emulsified. The butter will give the sauce a rich, velvety texture.
-
Blend in the mint jelly: Finally, stir in the mint jelly, which will add a sweet and herbal note to the sauce that complements the lamb perfectly.
Serving:
-
Slice the lamb: After the lamb has rested, use a sharp knife to slice between the ribs. Serve each rack of lamb as an elegant single portion or slice into individual chops for easier serving.
-
Drizzle with sauce: Arrange the lamb slices on a serving platter and drizzle the sauce over the top. The sauce will add a luscious, zesty finish to each bite.
-
Garnish and serve: For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish the lamb with additional fresh mint or chives before serving.
Tips & Tricks
-
For a perfect crust: Be sure to press the chive mixture firmly onto the fatty side of the lamb. This helps the crust adhere during cooking and results in a more flavorful exterior.
-
Resting is crucial: Letting the lamb rest after it comes out of the oven is key to maintaining juiciness. Don’t skip this step!
-
Adjusting doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your lamb reaches the desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F, and for medium, 135°F.
-
Making ahead: You can prepare the chive crust up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before applying it to the lamb.
-
Pairing suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For wine lovers, a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot would complement the rich flavors of the lamb.
Conclusion
This Rack of Lamb with Chive Crust is an ideal recipe for any occasion that calls for something elegant and flavorful. The lamb itself is tender and juicy, while the chive and mint crust adds a wonderful herbal freshness. Paired with a luscious sauce made from the pan drippings, white wine, and mint jelly, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re preparing a festive meal for Christmas or serving up an upscale dinner for guests, this rack of lamb will always be a showstopper.
Bon appétit!
Keywords
Lamb recipe, rack of lamb, chive crust, elegant dinner, holiday dinner, mint jelly sauce, oven-roasted lamb, Christmas meal, quick lamb recipe, special occasion meal
