The rack of lamb is a festive dish appreciated for its tenderness and finesse. It's one of the most favored cuts for hosting guests during Easter celebrations. This tender and flavorful meat is ideally cooked in the oven.
Preheat your oven to 210°C (410°F). Mix finely chopped herbs, garlic, peeled shallots, breadcrumbs, butter, egg white, almond powder, and 15g of Parmesan cheese in a blender. Season with salt and pepper.
Roll out this mixture between two sheets of parchment paper with a rolling pin to roughly match the dimensions of the rack of lamb. Place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
Lightly score the skin of the rack of lamb and drizzle some olive oil into a pan. When it's smoking hot, sear the lamb on all sides.
Then place the rack of lamb in an ovenproof dish. Brush it lightly with oil and bake for 6 minutes. Remove from the oven (without turning it off) and let it cool slightly. Coat the meat with mustard, then cover with the aromatic mixture, pressing lightly to ensure good adherence. Return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes.
Potatoes are a classic choice. Whether steamed, sautéed, fried, roasted, mashed, or in a gratin dauphinois, they appeal to everyone, young and old alike. When cooked alongside the meat, they easily absorb the delicious flavors of the lamb.
White beans, green beans, flageolets, or Paimpol coco beans are indispensable choices to complement a rack of lamb.
Spring vegetables such as asparagus, artichokes, and spinach can be prepared in various ways—such as in a clafoutis, gratin, flan, or sauté—to enhance the lamb without overpowering it.
Serving rice or pasta with lamb is another delicious idea. You can accompany them with the sauce from the lamb's cooking or opt for risotto to add a touch of elegance to your meal.
Before placing it in the oven, let your rack of lamb rest at room temperature for 1 hour. This will allow the meat to cook more evenly and avoid thermal shocks, ensuring optimal cooking.
Once the cooking is finished, allow your rack of lamb to rest for 10 minutes before carving it. This resting period will allow the juices to distribute evenly inside the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy texture.
When purchasing a rack of lamb, look for bright pink meat if it's young lamb and red for mature lamb. The fat should be firm, white, and smooth. When selecting lamb for butchery, prioritize dense and firm flesh. Opt for lighter-colored meat when choosing a young rack of lamb for Easter, as darker meat indicates an older lamb. For a tender texture, choose ribs that are well-fleshed rather than too thin. It is recommended to allocate approximately 250 grams per person.
There are a variety of recipes to prepare a delicious rack of lamb in the oven.
One option is to glaze it with honey, which is perfect for fans of sweet and savory flavors. This method imparts a golden caramelization and exquisite tenderness to the meat while adding a subtle touch of sweetness.
Another popular recipe is the Provencal-style rack of lamb. This dish is characterized by the generous use of Provencal herbs, tomatoes, garlic, olives, and sometimes white wine or broth. These ingredients add rich, aromatic notes and colorful brilliance to the dish, creating an authentic and flavorful dining experience.
Photos: Grégoire Kalt