Pistachio-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Pancetta

• Recipe by Ferran Adria

Something as conventional as rack of lamb would never, ever find its way into Adrià's ultra-experimental kitchen at El Bulli. But in his book Cocinar en Casa, he converts it into an unexpected, wonderful dish that anyone can make. Who else would think to coat a rack of lamb with a pistachio pesto, then wrap it in pancetta to keep it nicely moist and make it even richer as it roasts?

Ingredients

1. 1/3 cup unsalted pistachios
2. 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
3. 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
4. 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5. Salt and freshly ground pepper
6. One 1 1/2 pound rack of lamb, frenched (8 chops)
7. 6 ounces thinly sliced pancetta or bacon
8. 8 scallions, white and tender green parts only

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. In the bowl of a mini processor, finely chop the pistachios with the thyme and rosemary. Add half of the olive oil and process to a paste; season with salt and pepper. Scrape half of the pistachio paste into a small bowl and stir in the remaining olive oil.
2. Coat the lamb with half of the remaining pistachio paste. Wrap the pancetta slices around the lamb, between the bones, leaving the bones exposed. Spread the remaining pistachio paste over the pancetta and set the rack in a small roasting pan. Roast the rack for about 40 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of the meat registers 130° for medium-rare. Transfer the lamb to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Reserve the pan drippings.
3. Meanwhile, spoon 1 teaspoon of the rendered pancetta fat from the roasting pan into a medium skillet and heat until shimmering. Add the scallions and cook over high heat until softened and browned in spots, about 4 minutes. Carve the lamb rack into four 2-chop servings and transfer them to plates along with the scallions. Drizzle the pistachio pesto all around and serve right away.

Make Ahead

The pesto can be refrigerated overnight.