RACK OF LAMB WITH GARLIC AND HERBS, GOURMET

Rack of Lamb with Garlic and Herbs

BY SHELLEY WISEMAN GOURMET JULY 2006

Herb-and-bread-crumb coatings are classic on rack of lamb, but leaving out the crumbs lightens the dish (and the juicy chops taste more summery as a result). This recipe is best made with new garlic—garlic that has not been aged. It is covered with a moist membrane rather than papery skin and is often sold with greens attached. If you're lucky enough to find some, substitute 1/4 cup chopped garlic greens for half of the parsley in the herb mixture.

YIELD: 8 servings ACTIVE TIME: 20 min TOTAL TIME: 1 hr INGREDIENTS

For lamb

2 (8-rib) frenched racks of lamb (each rack 1 1/2 lb), trimmed of all but a thin layer of fat 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

For herb coating

1/2 head new garlic or 3 large regular garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme

2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Special Equipment

            an instant-read thermometer

PREPARATION

Brown lamb:

Heat a dry 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until hot, at least 2 minutes. Meanwhile, pat lamb dry and rub meat all over with salt and pepper. Add oil to hot skillet, then brown racks, in 2 batches if necessary, on all sides (not ends), about 10 minutes per batch.

Transfer racks to a small (13- by 9-inch) roasting pan.

Coat and roast lamb:

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.

Stir together garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and oil. Coat meaty parts of lamb with herb mixture, pressing to help adhere. Roast 15 minutes, then cover lamb loosely with foil and roast until thermometer inserted diagonally into center of meat registers 120°F, 5 to 10 minutes more. Let stand, covered, 10 minutes. (Internal temperature will rise to 125 to 130°F for medium-rare while lamb stands.)

Cut each rack into 4 double chops.