HERB-ROASTED LAMB LOIN WITH GOAT CHEESE AND ZINFANDEL SAUCE

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Herb-roasted Lamb Loin with Goat Cheese and Zinfandel Sauce image

I loved the idea of pairing lamb and goat-since that's how I think of them, frolicking in a field together (what do I know, I'm a city girl). The idea for a pairing led me to this dish. The tasty goat cheese, herbes de Provence (a mixture of herbs that includes basil, fennel, rosemary, thyme, summer savory, and lavender), and pancetta mixture was initially a stuffing for the lamb, but it was quite tricky to assemble. I made it simpler for the staff and now for you (you don't always have to take the most difficult route!) by simply crumbling the topping over the roasted lamb. The rich, glossy zinfandel sauce really pulls the flavors together.

Yield makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 ounces fresh goat cheese, at room temperature
1/4 pound pancetta, diced and cooked until crisp
2 tablespoons diced marinated sun-dried tomatoes
1 teaspoon herb es de Provence or fresh herbs of your choice (such as rosemary, thyme, and/or basil)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup zinfandel or full-flavored red wine
1 medium shallot, finely minced
2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary, or a combination
2 cups lamb stock (or substitute rich Chicken Stock [p. 206])
2 tablespoons butter, cut in 4 pieces
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 pounds boneless lamb loin, cut into 4 (6-ounce) portions
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Goat Cheese Filling
Zinfandel Sauce

Steps:

  • This cheese filling can be made one day in advance. Using a fork, combine the goat cheese, pancetta, tomatoes, herbs, and garlic in a small bowl. Chill the mixture for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. When ready to use it, let the cheese mixture soften slightly at room temperature.
  • Place the wine, shallot, and herb in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the stock, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until reduced to 1/2 cup of liquid. Remove the herb sprigs.
  • Whisk in the butter, 1 piece at a time. The sauce should be glossy and slightly syrupy (but not so thick that it sticks your lips together; add a tablespoon or two of hot water if it gets too thick). Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  • Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Sear the lamb on both sides for a minute or so, to brown, then reduce the heat and cook each side 3-4 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate and let rest. You may serve the loins whole or sliced, with equal portions of the goat cheese mixture crumbled along the top and Zinfandel Sauce spooned over it.

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