Fresh Herb And Guajillo Roasted Lamb Recipes

HERB-ROASTED LAMB

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven so the lamb will sit in the middle of the oven.
• Peel 6 of the cloves of garlic and place them in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the rosemary, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and butter. Process until the garlic and rosemary are finely minced. Thoroughly coat the top and sides of the lamb with the rosemary mixture. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Toss the potatoes and remaining unpeeled garlic in a bowl with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Place the lamb on top of the potatoes. Roast for 20 minutes. Turn the heat down to 350 degrees F and roast for another 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until a meat thermometer registers 130 to 135 degrees F for medium-rare. Place the lamb on a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Slice and serve with the potatoes.

FRESH HERB AND GUAJILLO ROASTED LAMB

Steps:

• For the lamb: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Soak the guajillo chiles in warm water to soften. Puree with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the soaking liquid in a small food processor or blender to make a paste.
• In a small bowl, combine the guajillo paste, fennel, parsley, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, garlic and 1 teaspoon each kosher salt and pepper.
• Cut the lamb lengthwise, stopping 1/2 inch before going all the way through. Open the lamb like a book and spread with the fresh herb and chile mixture. Close the lamb and tie with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals. Season the outside heavily with salt and pepper.
• Put the lamb on a baking sheet and roast until golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and lower the temperature to 300 degrees F. Transfer the lamb to a Dutch oven or ovenproof pot, add the chicken broth and wine and cover. Return the lamb to the oven and braise until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees F, about 1 hour. Transfer the lamb to a cutting board (reserve the liquid in the pot) and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
• For the roasted potatoes: Meanwhile, toss the potatoes with the olive oil and sea salt in a roasting pan. Roast until tender, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, smash each potato to flatten slightly and then cook 10 more minutes.
• Pour the reserved lamb-braising liquid in a saucepan, set over medium-high heat and reduce by half. Whisk in the flour while boiling to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve the lamb and roasted potatoes with the sauce.

APPLE-MINT RACK OF LAMB

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• For the herb mixture: Put the whole peppercorns in a spice grinder and grind until coarse. Transfer to a small bowl and add the mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano and garlic. Add the olive oil to the mixture and season with a pinch of salt.
• For the lamb: Place the lamb racks on a work surface and sprinkle each side with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt. Rub the herb mixture on the lamb.
• Heat a grill pan over high heat with some olive oil, add the racks rounded-side down and sear until brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet in the same position (do not flip). Roast until the desired doneness, 20 to 25 minutes for medium (about 145 degrees F). Let the lamb rest 5 to 7 minutes before slicing. Transfer the chops to a platter and serve with Apple-Mint Compote.
• Put the sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a medium heavy pot and bring to a boil. Add the apple and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes. Add the mint and vinegar and stir to combine. Season with salt.

CHILE CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB

Steps:

• For the crust:
• In a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter. When the butter is melted, add the shallots and thyme and saute until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the chile powder and stir. Add the bread crumbs and saute until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remove the crumbs to a small bowl and let cool.
• For the lamb:
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In the same large skillet over high heat, heat the oil. Working in batches, add the lamb racks to skillet, rounded side down. Sear until brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean cutting board, seared side up. Spread 2 teaspoons of the mustard over each rack. Press the crumb topping into mustard on the racks, dividing equally. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the oven until desired doneness, 25 minutes for medium well. Let the lamb rest 5 to 7 minutes before slicing. Arrange the sliced lamb on a serving platter and serve.