Tandoori-spiced Rack of Lamb

Servings: 12

Tandoori-spicedRackofLamb.jpg

INGREDIENTS

6 Racks (about 12 pounds) American Lamb racks, halved

1/4 Cup olive oil

1/4 Cup garlic, roasted, mashed

2 Tablespoons tandoori spice blend

2 Tablespoons Smoked paprika

1 Tablespoon black pepper, cracked

2 Cups Honey Yogurt Sauce (recipe follows) divided

3 Cups Tandoori Lentils (recipe follows)

3 Cups caramelized onions


Honey Yogurt Sauce:  (makes 2 cups)

1-1/2 Cups Greek nonfat yogurt

1/4 Cup fresh mint, chopped

3 Tablespoons honey

2 Tablespoons garlic, roasted, mashed

1/2 teaspoon red pepper sauce


Tandoori Lentils:  (makes 1-1/2 quarts)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 Cups onions, minced

2 Tablespoons tandoori spice blend

1 Tablespoon smoked paprika

2 Teaspoons turmeric, ground

4 Cups lentils, cleaned

2 Quarts vegetable stock, hot (as needed)


Honey Caramelized Onions:  (makes 3 cups)

2 Quarts sweet onions, sliced

3 Tablespoons honey

3 Tablespoons olive oil

1 Tablespoon kosher salt

1 Tablespoon black pepper, cracked


DIRECTIONS

METHOD:

In a bowl, mix oil, garlic, spice blend, paprika and pepper.  Place lamb racks on a full-size sheet pan and rub paste evenly on all sides.  Cover and refrigerator overnight or until ready to cook.

Roast racks in a 375ºF convection oven (or 425°F conventional oven) for 15 minutes.  Remove and chill all but 1-1/4 cups of Honey Yogurt Sauce. Brush racks with 1-1/4 cups Honey Yogurt Sauce at least once during roasting time; continue roasting 12 to 15 minutes or until desired doneness.  Remove from oven, tent and let rest. Cut into double chops.

For Honey Yogurt Sauce:  In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, mint, honey, garlic and hot sauce.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

For Tandoori Lentils:  In deep skillet with a lid, heat oil over medium-high heat; add onions and sauté 2 minutes.  Stir in spice blend, paprika and turmeric; continue to sauté 3 minutes, stirring often. Add lentils; cook 1 minute, stirring often.  Add stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer; cover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but still whole and liquid is absorbed, approximately 35 to 40 minutes.  Keep warm.

To serve:  Interlace two double chops on top of a 1-cup scoop of Tandoori Lentils.  Top with caramelized onions and 1 tablespoon of Honey Yogurt Sauce.

Recipe and image provided by the American Lamb Board