Skillet-Roasted Lamb Loins with Herbs

ACTIVE: 40 MIN
TOTAL TIME: 1 HR
SERVINGS: 8

Cathal Armstrong's family always celebrated the end of Lent with lamb, and preparing the meal became an all-day event that left the adults "snoring on the couch." Cathal's preparation for lamb nowadays isn't exhausting at all: He rubs the loins with herbs, garlic and shallots, then ties them up, sears them and finishes them in the oven. The result is succulent, delicately flavored meat.

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3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large shallot, minced
1 teaspoon minced rosemary
1 teaspoon minced sage
1 teaspoon minced marjoram
1 teaspoon minced thyme
2 boneless lamb loins with tenderloins attached (about 3 pounds), thin layer of fat and rib apron left on, at room temperature
Salt and freshly ground pepper

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the oil with the garlic, shallot and herbs. Lay the loins on a work surface, fat side down, and season with salt and pepper. Spread the herb paste all over the lamb. Roll each loin over the tenderloin and rib apron to make a neat roulade. With butcher's twine, tie the meat at 1-inch intervals. Season the lamb with salt and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 350°. In a 12-inch skillet (preferably cast-iron), heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering. Add the lamb loins and cook over moderate heat, turning, until browned all over, about 20 minutes total.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the loins for 10 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 125°. Transfer the loins to a carving board to rest for 10 minutes.
Cut off the strings. Carve the loins into 1-inch-thick slices and serve.

Serve With Slow-Roasted Tomatoes and boiled baby new potatoes.

Suggested Pairing

This lamb could pair successfully with many red wines. Its fragrant crust, though, makes Pinot Noir a particularly good option, especially Pinot from Oregon's Willamette Valley, which tends to be more herbal and delicate than California Pinot.

Skillet-Roasted Lamb Loins with Herbs

Suggested Pairing

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