Rack of Lamb with Warm Apple & Lentil Salad
Mustard and rosemary complement rich lamb and earthy lentils in this elegant meal. Don't let rack of lamb intimidate you. It is simple to prepare.

Ingredients
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2 tablespoons coarse dry breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat (see Note)
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1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
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1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, divided
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3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
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1 1 1/2-pound rack of lamb, Frenched and trimmed (see Tip)
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3 teaspoons Dijon mustard, divided
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2 shallots, finely chopped
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1 15-ounce can lentils, rinsed, or 1 1/3 cups cooked lentils
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1 Granny Smith apple, finely chopped
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2 stalks celery with leaves, finely chopped
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3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, or water
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2 teaspoons sherry vinegar, or cider vinegar
Directions
1.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
2.
Mix breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl.
3.
Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add lamb, meat-side down, and sear until browned, about 1 1/2 minutes. Turn it over and spread 2 teaspoons mustard over the meat. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mustard. Transfer the lamb to the oven and roast until a thermometer inserted in the center registers 140 degrees F for medium-rare, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
4.
Return the pan to medium-high heat (be careful: the handle will still be hot). Add shallots, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring constantly, until starting to soften, about 1 minute. Stir in lentils, apple, celery, broth (or water), vinegar and the remaining 1 teaspoon mustard; bring to a lively simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is slightly reduced and the celery and apple are starting to soften, about 4 minutes. Cut the lamb into 8 chops and serve over the lentils.
Tip:
Note: We like Ian's brand of coarse dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs, labeled "Panko breadcrumbs." Find them in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets. Or, make your own breadcrumbs: Trim crusts from firm sandwich bread. Tear the bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. One slice makes about 1/3 cup. Spread the breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and bake at 250 degrees F until dry and crispy, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition information
Calories 285, Total Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Monounsaturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 69 mg, Sodium 429 mg, Carbohydrate 21 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 29 g, Potassium 362 mg. Exchanges: Starch 1,Fruit 0.5,Lean Meat 4.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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