HERBED RACK OF LAMB WITH PARSLEY, MINT, AND WALNUT SAUTé

Herbed Rack of Lamb with Parsley, Mint, and Walnut Sauté image

Provided by Jerry Traunfeld

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

Lamb
3 1 1/4-pound racks of lamb, frenched
5 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint
Parsley sauté
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
6 cups (packed) fresh Italian parsley leaves (from 2 large bunches)
3/4 cup very coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
3/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts (about 2 1/2 ounces)
2 tablespoons walnut oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Steps:

For lamb:
Place lamb racks on heavy large rimmed baking sheet. Brush lamb with 1 tablespoon oil. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons coarse salt and pepper. Mix all herbs in small bowl; press firmly over meat side of lamb to adhere. Let stand 2 hours at room temperature. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat remaining 4 tablespoons oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add lamb, meat-and-herb side down, and cook until brown, about 4 minutes. Transfer racks to baking sheet, meat-and-herb side up. Roast lamb until meat thermometer inserted into center registers 125°F for medium-rare, about 13 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare sauté:
Heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Add parsley and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add mint, 1/2 cup water, and lemon peel and cook until parsley is tender, about 3 minutes. Mix in walnuts, walnut oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Cut lamb between bones into individual chops. Divide parsley sauté among 6 plates. Top with lamb chops and serve.