Home

Rack of Lamb with Aromatic Herbs

17/11/2023

The rack of lamb with aromatic herbs is a dish that enhances the delicate flavor of lamb with the addition of Mediterranean aromas. Here’s the recipe to prepare this delicious main course.

Ingredients

  • 1 rack of lamb (with about 8 ribs)
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • Sprigs of fresh thyme
  • Sage leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Marinade:

  • Grated zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (or another mild mustard)
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A mix of finely chopped aromatic herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) to taste

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C (380 °F).

  2. Prepare the marinade by mixing lemon zest, oil, mustard, honey, and finely chopped aromatic herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  3. Clean the rack of lamb by removing excess fat and any membranes. Make light incisions between the ribs to help the flavors penetrate.

  4. Massage the rack with the prepared marinade, making sure to cover all parts well.

  5. Let the rack rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or even better, overnight.

  6. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with the garlic cloves and sprigs of aromatic herbs. Brown the rack of lamb on all sides until golden.

  7. Transfer the rack and the browned aromatics to a baking dish.

  8. Bake in the oven and cook the rack of lamb for about 15-20 minutes (depending on the desired degree of doneness: rare, medium, or well done).

  9. Once cooked, remove the rack from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is tender and succulent.

  10. Cut the rack between the ribs and serve, if desired, with a red wine sauce and baked potatoes or seasonal vegetables.

Curiosity

The rack of lamb is highly appreciated in French cuisine, especially for festive occasions. In Italy, it is often chosen for grand Easter dinners, where lamb has a strong symbolic meaning linked to renewal and tradition.

Rack of Lamb with Aromatic Herbs