APPLE-MINT RACK OF LAMB

Apple-Mint Rack of Lamb image

Provided by Marcela Valladolid

Time 55m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

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2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup olive oil
Pinch kosher salt
2 Frenched racks of lamb
2 tablespoons kosher salt
Olive oil, for grilling
Apple-Mint Compote, recipe follows, for serving
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 Granny Smith apple, diced into 1/4-inch cubes
1/4 cup firmly packed fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Kosher salt

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
For the herb mixture: Put the whole peppercorns in a spice grinder and grind until coarse. Transfer to a small bowl and add the mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano and garlic. Add the olive oil to the mixture and season with a pinch of salt.
For the lamb: Place the lamb racks on a work surface and sprinkle each side with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt. Rub the herb mixture on the lamb.
Heat a grill pan over high heat with some olive oil, add the racks rounded-side down and sear until brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet in the same position (do not flip). Roast until the desired doneness, 20 to 25 minutes for medium (about 145 degrees F). Let the lamb rest 5 to 7 minutes before slicing. Transfer the chops to a platter and serve with Apple-Mint Compote.
Put the sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a medium heavy pot and bring to a boil. Add the apple and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes. Add the mint and vinegar and stir to combine. Season with salt.