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Rack of Lamb with Rosemary Butter

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Chef David Kinch grills his lamb racks "low and slow" because it gives him full control of the cooking. The gentle heat keeps the meat juicy, while the rosemary-infused butter he periodically spoons over the racks adds flavor. He sprinkles the lamb with chopped herbs just before serving; the warm meat makes the herbs especially fragrant.

Pairing Suggestion

For dinner, David Kinch and Pim Techamuanvivit poured a forceful Loire red made from Cabernet Franc grapes, and a natural match for the lamb.

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Rack of Lamb with Rosemary Butter

  • ACTIVE: 15 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR
  • SERVINGS: 8

Ingredients

  1. 2 racks of lamb, 8 bones each, chine bones removed and rib bones frenched
  2. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  3. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  4. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  5. 5 large rosemary sprigs
  6. 1 teaspoon finely chopped thyme
  7. 1 teaspoon finely chopped mint
  8. 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions

  1. Light a grill or preheat the oven to 375°. Season the lamb with salt and pepper.
  2. If grilling, melt the butter in the olive oil in a small saucepan. When the coals are covered in white ash, grill the lamb over low heat for about 40 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes and brushing the racks with the rosemary sprigs dipped in the butter mixture. The lamb is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat registers 125° for rare.
  3. If pan-roasting the lamb, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large ovenproof skillet. Add the lamb racks, fat sides down, and cook over moderately high heat until the racks are browned all over, about 5 minutes. Add the rosemary sprigs and the remaining 1 tablespoon each of butter and oil to the skillet. Spoon some of the fat over the lamb. Roast for about 30 minutes, basting once or twice with the rosemary sprigs and fat and turning the racks halfway through. The lamb is done when an instant-read thermometer registers 125° for rare.
  4. Transfer the lamb to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Carve the racks into chops. Sprinkle with the chopped thyme, mint and parsley and serve.

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