Rack Of Lamb With Pistachio Pesto Worth The Effort Recipes

SEARED RACK OF LAMB WITH PISTACHIO TAPENADE

Steps:

• To make the pistachio tapenade: In a food processor combine the pistachios, olives, capers, garlic, herbs and puree. While the machine is running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture becomes a paste. Add the zest and pulse 1 more time, drizzling in more oil if necessary. Reserve until ready to use.
• Remove 2 rib bones from the 8 rib rack to make it a 6-rib rack. Counting from either end remove the 2nd and 7th bone. This will create 6 even chops that are thicker than a normal lamb chop. Cut 6 even chops and season them generously with salt and allow them to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Coat a large saute pan generously with olive oil and bring to medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the lamb chops and cook for about 2 minutes on each side to brown. If the pan begins to smoke, lower the heat. The chops should be beautifully caramelized on both sides. Remove the chops to a sheet pan and schmear generously with the pistachio tapenade. Place in preheated oven and cook another 4 to 5 minutes for medium rare. Remove chops from oven and let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

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)

PISTACHIO CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Generously season each rack of lamb with herbes de Provence, salt, and black pepper.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Place lamb in skillet and cook, browning on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer lamb to a foil-lined baking sheet; set aside.
• Stir pistachios, bread crumbs, butter, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a bowl. Spread mustard on the fat-side of each rack of lamb. Pat pistachio mixture on top of mustard. Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and lamb is pink in the center, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

RACK OF LAMB WITH PISTACHIO PESTO, WORTH THE EFFORT!

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Place pistachios, thyme and rosemary in a mini food processor. Add half of the olive oil and process to a paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour half of the pistachio pesto into a small bowl, stir in remaining olive oil, and set aside to use as a sauce.
• Spread some of the remaining pistachio pesto all over the lamb. Place strips of pancetta between the bones and wrap it around the meat, leaving bones exposed.
• Spread rest of pistachio pesto over pancetta and place rack in a medium-size roasting pan. Roast lamb until an instant-read meat thermometer registers 130 degrees, about 40 minutes for medium-rare.
• Transfer lamb to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Spoon 1 teaspoon of rendered pancetta fat into a medium-size skillet and heat over high heat.
• Add scallions and cook until softened and browned in spots, about 4 minutes.
• Cut rack of lamb into 4 servings of 2 chops each and arrange on plates, along with scallions. Drizzle pistachio pesto sauce all around chops and serve at once.

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.

PISTACHIO-CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Boil pomegranate juice, currants, and garlic in medium skillet until liquid is syrupy and mixture is reduced to 1/4 cup, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to mini processor. Add butter, cinnamon, and cumin and blend until coarse puree forms. Place processor bowl in freezer 10 minutes to firm butter slightly.
• Line small rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place lamb, bone side down, on sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread pomegranate butter over; sprinkle pistachios and panko over, pressing to adhere.
• Roast rack of lamb until instant-read thermometer inserted into side registers 135°F for medium-rare, about 30 minutes. Transfer to work surface and let rest 10 minutes. Cut lamb between bones. Drizzle with any juices from foil.
• Available in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets and at Asian markets.