Rack of Lamb with Arugula Pesto
"This combination was a huge hit while I was chef at Michael’s in Santa Monica," says Sang Yoon of his grilled lamb paired with a simple, pleasantly tangy arugula-and-Parmesan pesto. The mustard seeds in the lamb’s spice coating add alluring crunch. The Russian River Brewing Company’s Salvation, a rich and powerful Belgian-style ale, has the substance to stand up to the flavorful meat. An alternative choice, Yoon says, is Maredsous 8, a Belgian double ale similar to Salvation in many ways.
Rack of Lamb with Arugula Pesto
Rack of Lamb with Arugula Pesto
Slideshows
- Find 20 more recipes in our Lamb slideshow.
© David Tsay
Rack of Lamb with Arugula Pesto
- ACTIVE: 20 MIN
-
TOTAL TIME:
45 MIN
- SERVINGS: 4
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
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1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
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Two 1 1/2-pound racks of lamb, chine bone removed and bones frenched
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Salt and freshly ground pepper
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5 cups arugula leaves (3 ounces)
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2 garlic cloves, quartered
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
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1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Directions
- Light a grill. In a small skillet, toast the mustard and cumin seeds over moderately high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Let cool, then transfer the seeds to a mortar or spice grinder and grind to a powder. Rub the spices all over the lamb and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the lamb over moderately high heat, turning and rotating the racks occasionally, until lightly charred outside and medium-rare within, about 30 minutes total. Transfer the lamb to a carving board and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a food processor, puree the arugula with the garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. Add the cheese and season the pesto with salt and pepper.
- Carve the lamb racks into individual chops and transfer to plates. Serve the arugula pesto alongside.
Make Ahead
The pesto can be refrigerated for 2 days. Serve at room temperature.
Rack of Lamb with Arugula Pesto
Slideshows
- Find 20 more recipes in our Lamb slideshow.
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