HERBED LAMB CHOPS WITH PINOT NOIR SAUCE

Herbed Lamb Chops With Pinot Noir Sauce image

From Bon Appetit, October, 2005. This sounds so wonderful but it seems like a recipe for an experienced chef! I don't know if I'll ever make it. Maybe one day if I feel ready to challenge myself! Maybe you'll make it. I totally guessed the time.

Provided by Oolala

Categories Lamb/Sheep

Time 2h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 lbs lamb riblets, neck stew meat works too
1 lb onion, coarsely chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon herbes de provence
4 2/3 cups pinot noir wine, can use other dry red wine
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh thyme, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh sage, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 (1 1/2 lb) racks of lamb, 8 ribs each, well trimmed, preferably Frenched

Steps:

For the sauce: Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add lamb riblets and saute until deep brown, turning occasionally, about 18 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the lamb to a bowl.
Add onions, carrots, garlic, and herbs de Provence to pot. Saute until vegetables are deep brown, about 8 minutes.
Add wine and broth to pot; return lamb and any accumulated juices to pot. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered 1 1/2 hours.
Strain into large bowl, pressing on solids in strainer to release all stock. Spoon off any fat from surface of stock; return stock to same large pot. Simmer until reduced to 1 1/3 cups, about 15 minutes.
Mix butter and flour in a small bowl to smooth paste. Whisk paste into stock. Simmer sauce until slightly thickened and smooth, whisking constantly, about 1 minute longer. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Transfer to small saucepan, cover, and chill. Rewarm before using.).
For lamb: Stir fresh herbs and pepper in medium bowl to blend. Add 2 tablespoons oil and mix until herbs are sticking together.
Sprinkle lamb racks with salt. Firmly press 1/3 of herb mixture over rounded side of each rack to cover. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Place on large rimmed baking sheet; cover and chill.).
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lamb rack to skillet, herbed side down and saute until browned, about 4 minutes.
Turn rack over and saute until browned about 3 minutes. Place rack, herbed side up, on rimmed baking sheet. Repeat, fitting remaining racks on same sheet.
Roast lamb until thermometer inserted into center registers 135 degrees F. for medium rare, about 25 minutes. Let lamb rest on sheet 15-20 minutes. Cut lamb between the bones into individual chops.
Arrange 3 chops per plate and drizzle with sauce and serve.