Herb-Crusted Spring Rack of Lamb with Roasted Garlic & Seasonal Vegetables
This exquisite recipe for Herb-Crusted Spring Rack of Lamb celebrates the tender, flavorful qualities of fresh spring lamb. The lamb racks are meticulously 'frenched' to enhance presentation and ease of carving, revealing the rich, succulent meat. A delightful garlic and mustard mixture infused with the essence of roasted garlic adds a layer of complexity, while a crunchy breadcrumb topping lends texture. Pair this dish with a medley of vibrant spring vegetables such as asparagus, baby carrots, and new potatoes for a stunning and harmonious meal that beautifully showcases the bounty of the season.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
2 heads (pulp separated from skins)
Olive oil
2.5 tablespoons (divided)
Water
1/4 cup
Whole grain mustard
3 tablespoons
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Salt
1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste
Fresh white breadcrumbs
1.5 cups (seasoned with salt and pepper)
Racks of lamb
3 racks (about 1.5 lbs each) (trimmed of excess fat)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare the garlic: Discard the excess papery skins from the garlic heads and place them in a small baking dish. Drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and add the water. Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the garlic cloves are soft and fragrant.
3
Once the garlic is done, let it cool slightly, then lower the oven temperature back to 400°F (200°C).
4
After cooling, separate the garlic cloves and squeeze the roasted pulp into a small mixing bowl, discarding the skins. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, whole grain mustard, fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper to create a smooth mixture.
5
In another bowl, season the fresh breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, mixing well to incorporate.
6
Arrange the trimmed racks of lamb in a roasting pan, placing them side by side with the fat side facing up. Roast the lamb in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to start the cooking process.
7
Remove the lamb from the oven and immediately smear the garlic mixture generously over the fat side of each rack. After that, sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumb mixture over the garlic layer, pressing it gently to adhere.
8
Drizzle the melted butter over the breadcrumb topping for added richness. Return the lamb to the oven and continue roasting until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat (not touching the bone) reads 130°F for medium-rare to 135°F for medium, approximately 25 additional minutes.
9
Once done, remove the lamb from the oven, cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil, and allow the lamb to rest for 10 minutes.
10
Preheat a broiler during the resting period. Once ready, uncover the lamb and place the roasting pan under the broiler, roughly 5-6 inches from the heat source. Broil the lamb for 30-60 seconds until the breadcrumbs are a deep golden brown.
11
To serve, transfer the racks to a cutting board and slice between the ribs. Plate 2 to 3 ribs on each warmed individual plate along with your choice of seasonal vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Crusted Spring Rack of Lamb?
It is an exquisite dish featuring tender spring lamb racks topped with a roasted garlic mustard mixture and crunchy breadcrumbs.
How many garlic heads are required for this recipe?
Two full heads of garlic are needed for this recipe.
How do you prepare the roasted garlic?
Discard excess papery skins, place in a baking dish with olive oil and water, cover with foil, and bake until soft.
What temperature is the oven set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long does the garlic roast?
Approximately 45 minutes or until the cloves are soft and fragrant.
What ingredients go into the garlic mixture for the crust?
Roasted garlic pulp, olive oil, whole grain mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
How do you separate the garlic pulp from the skins?
Let the roasted garlic cool slightly, then squeeze the pulp out of the individual cloves and discard the skins.
What are the breadcrumbs seasoned with?
The fresh white breadcrumbs are seasoned with salt and pepper before being applied to the lamb.
How is the lamb prepared for roasting?
The racks should be trimmed of excess fat and placed in a roasting pan with the fat side facing up.
How long is the initial roasting period before adding the crust?
The lamb is roasted for an initial period of 10 minutes.
How do you apply the garlic coating to the lamb?
Immediately after the initial 10-minute roast, smear the garlic and mustard mixture generously over the fat side of each rack.
How do you apply the breadcrumb layer?
Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs over the garlic layer and press them gently to ensure they adhere.
What is the purpose of the melted butter?
Melted butter is drizzled over the breadcrumbs to add richness and help them achieve a golden brown color.
What is the ideal internal temperature for medium-rare lamb?
An instant-read thermometer should read 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare.
What internal temperature indicates medium doneness?
A temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for medium-cooked lamb.
Approximately how long is the second roasting period?
It takes approximately 25 additional minutes after the crust and butter are applied.
Why is it important to rest the lamb after cooking?
Resting the lamb for 10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more succulent meat.
What is the final step after the lamb has rested?
The lamb is placed under a broiler for 30 to 60 seconds to darken the breadcrumb crust.
How far should the lamb be from the broiler heat?
It should be placed roughly 5 to 6 inches away from the broiler heat source.
How do you carve the rack of lamb for serving?
Transfer the racks to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice between the individual ribs.
How much lamb is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three racks of lamb, each weighing about 1.5 pounds.
What types of seasonal vegetables are suggested as a pairing?
Vibrant spring vegetables such as asparagus, baby carrots, and new potatoes are recommended.
What kind of mustard is used in the mixture?
The recipe specifically requires whole grain mustard.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 2.5 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between the garlic roasting and the mustard mixture.
Should the lamb be covered while roasting?
No, the lamb remains uncovered during roasting to allow the crust to brown and the meat to roast properly.
What does it mean that the lamb racks are frenched?
Frenched racks have the fat and meat trimmed away from the ends of the rib bones for a professional presentation.
How many ribs are typically served per person?
It is recommended to plate 2 to 3 ribs per individual serving.
Can I use dried breadcrumbs instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies fresh white breadcrumbs for the best texture and optimal crunch.
What equipment is needed to check for doneness?
An instant-read thermometer should be used to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat.
What is the role of lemon juice in the crust?
Fresh lemon juice is added to the garlic paste to provide a bright, acidic balance to the rich flavors of the lamb.