Herb-Crusted Lamb Rack with Colonnata Lard and Baked Borrettane Onions
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 2
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 36 minutes
Total Time: 51 minutes
This Herb-Crusted Lamb Rack with Colonnata Lard recipe is a perfect blend of savory flavors and tender, succulent lamb. The lamb rack is seasoned with a fragrant mix of fresh herbs, wrapped in the unique taste of Colonnata lard, and slow-roasted to perfection. It is paired with sweet, caramelized Borrettane onions and enhanced with a touch of light lager beer to create a delicious and indulgent dish that will impress at any dinner table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lamb rack | 420g |
| Colonnata lard | 6 slices |
| Fresh thyme | 3 sprigs |
| Fresh rosemary | 3 sprigs |
| Fresh sage | 3 sprigs |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Borrettane onions | 100g |
| Light beer (lager) | 50g |
| Sea salt | to taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Rack
Start by cleaning the lamb rack, removing any excess fat using a sharp, thin knife. Begin at one end and carefully trim the fat until the meat is clean. Once the lamb is prepped, wrap Colonnata lard slices around the lamb ribs, placing 4 to 5 slices between the bones. If the lard doesn’t adhere well, lightly coat the lamb with olive oil.
Step 2: Season the Lamb
Next, take the fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage. Strip the leaves from the stems and finely chop them. Using your hands, rub the lamb rack with the chopped herbs, pressing down gently to ensure they stick. Sprinkle the lamb with freshly ground black pepper. There is no need to salt the lamb at this stage, as the lard already adds a significant amount of seasoning.
Step 3: Prepare for Roasting
Place the herb-crusted lamb rack onto a sheet of parchment paper and wrap it tightly like a candy, securing the ends to form a sealed package. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top of the lamb within the parchment paper. This will help ensure a juicy and tender roast.
Step 4: Prepare the Borrettane Onions
Cut the Borrettane onions into quarters. Place them in a roasting dish, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and season with sea salt. The onions will caramelize beautifully while roasting alongside the lamb.
Step 5: Roasting
Pour the light beer into the roasting dish, surrounding the onions. This will create a rich, aromatic base for the dish. Place the prepared lamb rack in the oven and roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 36 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the lamb reaches 60°C (140°F) for medium-rare. The beer will infuse the lamb with a subtle, malty flavor while keeping the meat moist.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the lamb is cooked, remove the roasting dish from the oven. Carefully unwrap the parchment paper, allowing the steam to escape. Let the lamb rest for a few minutes before slicing the rack into individual portions.
Step 7: Serving
Serve the Herb-Crusted Lamb Rack on a plate, garnished with the caramelized Borrettane onions. Drizzle the savory cooking juices from the roasting pan over the top of the lamb and onions for added richness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing glass of lager to complement the flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 kcal |
| Protein | 47g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 115mg |
| Sodium | 470mg |
| Potassium | 780mg |
Tips & Tricks:
- Resting the lamb after roasting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- For a richer flavor, you can marinate the lamb in the fresh herbs and olive oil for a few hours before roasting.
- If you prefer a crispy finish, open the parchment paper towards the end of roasting and bake the lamb for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the lard to crisp up.
This Herb-Crusted Lamb Rack with Colonnata Lard will bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table, combining succulent lamb with the delicate, savory flavors of Colonnata lard and aromatic herbs. Paired with the sweetness of roasted Borrettane onions and a hint of beer, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the tender, flavorful lamb alongside your loved ones for a truly memorable meal.
