Elegant Crown Roast of Lamb with Herb Citrus Sauce
Inspired by culinary showmanship, this elegant Crown Roast of Lamb is the centerpiece of any festive gathering. With its stunning crown shape and aromatic flavor profile, it’s a dish that impresses both the eye and palate. This recipe combines the rich flavors of garlic, fresh herbs, and a zesty citrus sauce. After a succulent roasting, the lamb rests to achieve perfect tenderness, while the delicious juices are transformed into a refreshing sauce that brings an added brightness to each bite. Ideal for special occasions, this dish is a true labor of love that will surely become a cherished favorite at your dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lamb racks
2 lbs (2 racks, to build crown, frenched)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for rubbing on lamb)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Garlic cloves
6 (minced)
Fresh thyme
4 teaspoons (chopped)
Fresh coriander
1 tablespoon (freshly ground)
Lemon juice
1-2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Coleman's dry mustard
1 teaspoon (for sauce)
Fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
First, prepare the lamb racks by Frenching them: Make a cut on the fat side approximately 2 1/2 inches down from the rib ends, cutting through the fat to the rib bones.
3
Turn the rack upright, bones facing up, and carefully push a knife through the flesh between each rib, using your initial cut as a guide to remove excess fat.
4
Using kitchen twine, tie each rib at the base, nearest the meat, to pull away any remaining fat and sinew.
5
Bend each rack into a semicircle (with the meat side facing in and fat side out) and tie them together securely with kitchen twine at the base and center, creating the crown shape.
6
Rub the lamb with olive oil, ensuring even coverage. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, minced garlic, thyme, and coriander, then press this mixture all over the lamb to coat it thoroughly.
7
Place the crown roast in a Bundt pan, allowing the center of the pan to rise through the middle of the roast, providing structural support during cooking.
8
Roast the lamb on the middle rack of the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C), achieving a perfect medium-rare doneness.
9
Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven, transfer it to a rack, cover delicately with aluminum foil, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
10
Meanwhile, as the lamb rests, drizzle lemon juice and add mustard and minced mint to the pan juices collected in the Bundt pan. Stir to combine and taste for seasoning, adjusting as necessary.
11
After resting, remove the kitchen twine from the roast. Place the cooked rice or your favorite side dish in the center of the Bundt pan for a beautiful presentation.
12
Serve with the warm sauce alongside the crown roast, allowing everyone to drizzle it over their portions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Elegant Crown Roast of Lamb?
It is a centerpiece dish made by shaping lamb racks into a crown, seasoned with garlic and herbs, and served with a zesty citrus sauce.
What does it mean to French the lamb racks?
Frenching involves cutting away the fat and meat from the rib ends, approximately 2 1/2 inches down, to expose the clean bone for an elegant presentation.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How do you form the crown shape?
Bend each rack into a semicircle with the meat side facing in and the fat side out, then tie them together securely with kitchen twine at the base and center.
Why is a Bundt pan used in this recipe?
The center of the Bundt pan rises through the middle of the roast, providing essential structural support to maintain the crown shape during roasting.
How long does the lamb need to roast?
The lamb should roast for 30 to 35 minutes.
What is the ideal internal temperature for medium-rare lamb?
The internal temperature should reach 130°F (54°C).
How long should the lamb rest after cooking?
The roast should rest for at least 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
What ingredients are in the Herb Citrus Sauce?
The sauce consists of pan juices, lemon juice, Coleman’s dry mustard, and minced fresh mint leaves.
What herbs and spices are used in the lamb rub?
The rub includes kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, and freshly ground coriander.
How many lamb racks are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 racks of lamb, totaling approximately 2 lbs.
When should the kitchen twine be removed?
The kitchen twine should be removed after the lamb has finished resting, just before serving.
What can I put in the center of the lamb crown for serving?
You can place cooked rice or your favorite side dish in the center of the crown for a beautiful table presentation.
What type of mustard is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe specifically calls for Coleman's dry mustard.
Should I use fresh or dried mint?
Fresh mint leaves are recommended for the best flavor in the herb citrus sauce.
How is the herb rub applied to the lamb?
After rubbing the lamb with olive oil, press the salt, pepper, garlic, and herb mixture all over the lamb to coat it thoroughly.
Where in the oven should I place the lamb?
The crown roast should be placed on the middle rack of the oven.
What should I cover the lamb with while it rests?
Cover the lamb delicately with aluminum foil during the resting period.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in this recipe?
Olive oil is used to rub the lamb, ensuring even coverage and helping the seasoning mixture adhere to the meat.
Is the coriander used in this recipe whole or ground?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly ground coriander.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 6 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of salt should be used for seasoning?
Kosher salt is specified for the best seasoning results.
How much lemon juice is used in the sauce?
Approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice are used.
How is the sauce prepared?
Drizzle lemon juice, mustard, and mint into the pan juices collected in the Bundt pan while the lamb rests, then stir to combine.
Can this recipe be used for special occasions?
Yes, it is specifically described as a centerpiece for festive gatherings, holiday meals, and special occasions.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the specific serving count isn't listed, it uses 2 lbs of lamb racks, typically serving 4 to 6 people depending on the size of the racks.
What flavor profile does the Herb Citrus Sauce provide?
The sauce brings brightness and a refreshing zest that complements the rich, aromatic flavors of the roasted lamb.
What should I do if the sauce needs more seasoning?
After stirring the sauce ingredients into the pan juices, you should taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
What technique is used to pull away remaining fat and sinew?
Kitchen twine is tied at the base of each rib, nearest the meat, to pull away any remaining fat and sinew during preparation.
Is this a traditional French dish?
The recipe incorporates French cooking techniques, such as Frenching the lamb racks, and is styled as an elegant, classic roast.