There is no doubt that I’m drawn to a great recipe that only requires a handful of ingredients. I hate looking at a recipe that is a mile long of ingredients even if someone swears to me that it’s super easy. I’m already turned off by the nine million spices it requires me to measure out.
I have seen several different recipes for Rack of Lamb over the last few months and I’ve always been intrigued because the recipe itself always looked fairly simple. I was just super intimated by the baking process. I feared I would over cook them or mess them up somehow.
Now that I’ve cooked them, I can’t even believe how simple it was!! They were amazing and incredibly flavorful. The downside of this meal….rack of lamb is so expensive! Who knew?? I bought ours from Fresh Market and it was one rack of 8 lollipops and it was $40. I didn’t have a clue it was that expensive until they checked me out. My Mom swears that Costco sells them for half the price. So if you have a Costco, lucky you! And go give this recipe a shot ASAP. It was such a great at home “date night” meal.
Rack of Lamb
via Ina Garten
Ingredients
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary leaves
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 racks of lamb, “frenched” (see note)
Directions
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, process the salt, rosemary, and garlic until they’re as finely minced as possible. Add the mustard and balsamic vinegar and process for 1 minute. Place the lamb in a roasting or sheet pan with the ribs curving down, and coat the tops with the mustard mixture. Allow to stand for 1 hour at room temperature.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Roast the lamb for exactly 20 minutes for rare or 25 minutes for medium-rare. Remove from the oven and cover with aluminum foil. Allow to sit for 15 minutes, then cut into individual ribs and serve.
Note: “Frenching” refers to scraping the meat off the tips of the bones. Ask your butcher to leave 1/8 inch of fat on the meat.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Have you ever cooked a rack of lamb before? I’d love to know your experience.
My dad used to make rack of lamb when I was younger and it was one of my favorite recipes – now I should return the favor when my parents come for a visit! Thanks for sharing! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
100% Costco is the place to get lamp and this is the exact recipe I always use!
Ina Garten is my homegirl… or … I wish she was. Her dishes always look amazing (and how cute is Jeffrey when he shuffles in to try what she's been cooking?!). Make today work, Rachel CubicleCouture
This sounds so easy and looks delicious! My boyfriend has been begging me to make him a rack of lamb but I always thought it was so complicated. Maybe I will make this for Valentines day! Thanks for the great idea 🙂
This looks delicious!!
I've never made lamb bu this looks delicious! I'll have to try it
My dad loves lamb…might have to save this recipe to make it for him sometime!