Rack of Lamb with Walnut and Parsley Pesto, and Roasted Baby Potatoes

Lamb is one of my favorite meats. 

Serving it with roasted vegetables and this savory pesto

really enhances the whole meal.

As Always,

ENJOY!

Recipe Source:  Rustic Joyful Food 

INGREDIENTS

2, 2-3 lb. racks of American lamb
2 tbsp. butter
½ cup Dijon mustard
2 heaping tbsp. rosemary
2 heaping tbsp. chopped parsley
4 garlic cloves crushed
salt & pepper to taste

WALNUT & PARSLEY PESTO

½ cup walnuts
1 bunch curly parsley
1 tsp. fresh rosemary
1 small clove garlic
½ cup parmesan cheese
½ cup olive oil
the juice of one lemon
salt and pepper to taste

ROASTED POTATOES & SHALLOTS

2-3 lbs. small or baby Yukon gold or red bliss potatoes halved
5-6 medium sized shallots peeled with the rood end intact, sliced in half
2 tbsp. olive oil suitable for high temp roasting
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

To Prepare the Lamb, pre-heat your oven to 475 degrees. Allow the lamb to sit on the counter at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to searing. While the lamb is coming to room temp prepare the herb paste for the racks. Mix the mustard, herbs and garlic, set aside. Melt butter over medium high heat in a large skillet suitable for searing, like cast iron. Season the lamb liberally with salt and pepper and sear on all sides starting with the fat cap first. Once the lamb is browned about 4-6 minutes, remove from the pan and generously rub the mustard and herb paste all over the lamb. Put the lamb back into the heat proof skillet fat cap facing up and roast in the oven for 18 minutes. Remove the lamb and allow to rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing into double chops.

WALNUT & PARSLEY PESTO

Pulse all the ingredients in a food processor until combined but not a paste. A bit of texture is great in this pesto. Curly parsley has a milder flavor than flat leaf but feel free to substitute if you’d like. This pesto keep well for up to one week in the refrigerator. Remove from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.

ROASTED POTATOES & SHALLOTS

Pre heat oven to 375 degree. Toss the potatoes with the oil, seasonings and shallots then pour out onto a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. Allow to rest on the baking sheet while you prepare the lamb.