Hazelnut Crusted Lamb Chops Recipes

GRILLED LAMB CHOPS WITH TOASTED HAZELNUT PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the pesto: Place hazelnuts on sheet tray and toast in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden. Let cool. Place hazelnuts, garlic, and basil in the bowl of a food processor. With the motor on, add oil in a steady stream and process until smooth. Season to taste with salt. Set aside.
• For the lamb chops: Season chops generously with salt and pepper. Add the oil to a cast-iron pan set over medium heat. When oil is very warm, but not too hot, add the butter; when foaming, add the chops flat-side down. Cook until chops are brown and crispy, about 3 minutes per side.
• To serve, top each chop with approximately 1 tablespoon of the pesto.

GARLIC AND HERB CRUSTED LAMB CHOPS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
• Place the garlic, bread crumbs, and rosemary in a food processor and pulse for a few seconds to chop, then add enough olive oil until a paste is formed. Season with salt and pepper. Press paste firmly onto surface of lamb chops. Heat grapeseed oil over medium heat in a saute pan and brown each side of the chops, leaving undisturbed for the first 2 minutes to allow the crust to integrate into the meat. Place on a baking sheet and finish in the oven, for approximately 6 to 8 additional minutes.

HAZELNUT-CRUSTED RACKS OF LAMB WITH TOMATO-OLIVE RAGOûT

Steps:

• Prepare lamb:
• Mix 1 cup oil, rosemary and garlic in 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper. Add to marinade; turn to coat on all sides. Cover and chill overnight, turning occasionally.
• Grind bread in processor until small crumbs form. Combine 2 cups crumbs (reserve and remaining crumbs for another use), parsley, nuts and shallots in processor. Process until nuts are finely ground. Gradually add 2 tablespoons oil; process until crumbs begin to stick together. Transfer to bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon oil toss gently to coat. (Coating can made 1 day ahead. Cover, chill.)
• Make tomato-olive ragout:
• Heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions, garlic and dried red pepper. Sauté 5 minutes. Add fennel and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes with their juices and olives. Increase heat and bring to gentle boil. Cook until onions are tender and juices thicken, stirring occasionally and breaking up tomatoes with spoon, about 18 minutes. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover, chill. Rewarm over medium heat before continuing.)
• Final preparation:
• Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat heavy large skillet over high heat. Remove lamb from marinade. Add lamb to skillet with some marinade still coating lamb. Cook until brown, about 4 minutes per side. (If necessary, brown 1 rack at a time.) Using tongs, transfer lamb to baking sheet; cool 15 minutes. Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons mustard over rounded side of each rack; firmly press half of breadcrumb coating into mustard on each rack.
• Roast lamb until meat thermometer inserted into center of lamb registers 135°F for medium-rare, about 25 minutes. Let lamb rest 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, mix basil and butter into warm ragout; stir until butter melts. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Transfer lamb to cutting board. Cut lamb between bones into individual chops. Divide chops among 4 plates. Spoon ragout alongside chops and serve.

GORGONZOLA CRUSTED GRILLED LAMB CHOPS

Steps:

• Preheat the grill over medium heat.
• In a medium bowl, add the olive oil, pepper, salt, oregano, and toss together. Cut the racks into chops and add them to the oil mixture. Turning them to coat well.
• In a separate bowl, add the cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, cilantro and a pinch of black pepper. Mix gently.
• Remove the chops from the marinade and arrange them on the grill. Grill for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Flip and top each chop with a heaping tablespoon of the bread crumb mixture. Close the lid of the grill and cook until desired doneness, about 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and serve.

RACK OF LAMB WITH A HONEY-HAZELNUT CRUST

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425F degrees.
• Combine hazelnuts, breadcrumbs and rosemary in large bowl.
• Arrange lamb racks meat side up in single layer on heavy large baking sheet.
• Brush each rack with 1 Tbsp dijonnaise.
• Season lamb wih salt and pepper.
• Press 2/3 cup breadcrumb mixture onto each.
• Drizzle each lamb rack with 1 Tbsp honey.
• Roast until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 130F for medium-rare, about 25 minutes.
• Let lamb stand 10 minutes.
• Cut between each rib to separate into chops.
• (Racks can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate).