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Spice-Crusted Rack of Lamb

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Spice-Crusted Rack of LambMichael La Riche

A small coffee or spice mill makes grinding the whole spices very easy. Serve the lamb with the Indian Ratatouille and basmati rice. Pour a spicy red wine such as Syrah or Zinfandel.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2

tablespoons whole coriander seeds

4

teaspoons black peppercorns

2

teaspoons cumin seeds

12

whole cloves

1

teaspoon ground turmeric

3

/4 teaspoon cardamom seeds (from whole green pods)

3

tablespoons vegetable oil

2

pounds meaty lamb neck bones

2

celery stalks, chopped

1

cup chopped onion

8

large garlic cloves, chopped

2

tablespoons chopped peeled fresh ginger

3

small bay leaves, crumbled

2

large plum tomatoes, chopped

5

cups canned low-salt chicken broth

1

/2 cup dry white wine

1

/4 cup chopped fresh mint

3

1 1/4-pound lamb racks

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Blend all spices to powder in grinder or mill. Transfer spice rub to small bowl.

    Step 2

    Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add bones; saut&é until brown, about 10 minutes. Add celery, onion, garlic, ginger and bay leaves. Reduce heat to medium; saut&é until celery is tender, about 5 minutes. Mix in tomatoes and 2 tablespoons spice rub; stir 2 minutes. Add broth, wine and mint. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 1§ hours. Strain into medium saucepan, pressing hard on solids in sieve. Spoon fat off top of broth; reserve fat for use with lamb. Boil broth until reduced to 1§ cups, about 25 minutes. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper; set aside.

    Step 3

    Brush each lamb rack with some of reserved lamb fat. Sprinkle each rack with salt and pepper; rub each with 1 tablespoon spice rub. Place on rimmed baking sheet. Let stand at room temperature 2 hours. (Sauce and lamb can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately; chill. Bring lamb to room temperature before continuing.) Preheat oven to 400°F Heat large skillet over high heat. Sear 1 lamb rack on all sides until brown, about 8 minutes. Return to baking sheet. Repeat with remaining lamb racks. Roast lamb until thermometer inserted into center registers 125°F for rare, about 25 minutes.

    Step 4

    Rewarm sauce. Cut lamb between bones into chops. Divide lamb among 6 plates. Spoon sauce over lamb.