HONEY-ROASTED LAMB WITH ARUGULA AND PINE NUT SALAD

Honey-Roasted Lamb with Arugula and Pine Nut Salad image

Yield Makes 4 first-course or 2 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 fresh thyme sprigs
1 1 1/2-pound rack of lamb, trimmed
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
6 cups arugula (about 4 ounces)

Steps:

Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine honey, 1 tablespoon oil, and thyme in heavy small saucepan. Stir over low heat until just warm. Remove from heat. Pour 2/3 of honey mixture into small bowl. Place lamb on rack set in roasting pan; brush with half of honey mixture from bowl. Roast lamb 12 minutes; brush with remaining honey mixture from bowl. Continue to roast until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of meat registers 125°F for medium-rare, about 10 minutes. Transfer lamb to cutting board.
Meanwhile, add vinegar, 1 tablespoon water, and remaining 3 tablespoons oil to honey mixture in saucepan. Stir over low heat until just warm. Mix in nuts; discard thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper.
Cut lamb between ribs into chops. Divide arugula among plates. Top each serving with lamb chops. Drizzle warm dressing over and serve warm.