ROAST RACK OF LAMB WITH MADEIRA-PEPPERCORN SAUCE

Roast Rack of Lamb with Madeira-Peppercorn Sauce image

Provided by Vicki Butts (lazyme)

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 5

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6 medium shallots
4 Tbsp chilled unsalted bbutter
1 1/4 c madeira
1 Tbsp drained green peppercorns in brine, coarsely chopped
2 racks of lamb, trimmed (1 1/4 lb each)

Steps:

1. Finely chop 2 medium shallots. Melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in heavy small saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped shallots and sauté until tender, about 3 minutes. Add Madeira and green peppercorns. Boil uncovered until mixture is reduced to 2/3 cup, about 12 minutes. Remove sauce from heat.
2. Arrange trimmed racks of lamb on rimmed baking sheet. Cut remaining 4 medium shallots in half and push through garlic press. Coat lamb with pressed shallots. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover sauce and lamb separately and refrigerate.)
3. Preheat oven to 400°F. Roast lamb 25 minutes. Increase heat to 500°F and continue to roast until lamb browns and meat thermometer inserted into center of lamb registers 130°F, about 5 minutes longer. Let stand 5 minutes.
4. Bring peppercorn sauce to simmer. Whisk in remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cut lamb between ribs into chops. Arrange lamb chops on plates. Spoon peppercorn sauce around lamb and serve immediately.
5. Variation: This sauce would also work with thick pork chops (with bones); make sure they reach an internal temperature of 150ºF for food safety.
6. Do-Ahead: Note that the sauce and lamb can be prepared eight hours ahead. The lamb needs to roast for just 30 minutes before serving.