CHRISTMAS LAMB RACK WITH MINT PESTO
Christmas in Australia is a blend of tradition, summer warmth, and culinary innovation. As families gather around the festive table, there's a penchant for dishes that reflect our unique Aussie spirit and the joyous essence of the holiday.
The Lamb Rack a quintessential part of our culinary repertoire, transforms into a Christmas masterpiece with the addition of zesty Mint Pesto. This combination harmoniously blends the rich tender flavours of the lamb with the refreshing zing of mint. It's an ode to the Australian Christmas — bright, fresh, and absolutely delightful.
Whether you're dining under the shimmering sun or a starlit sky, this Christmas Lamb Rack promises to be the showstopper of your festive feast. Served alongside crisp salads or roasted veggies, it ensures an unforgettable Christmas meal, Aussiestyle.
INGREDIENTS:
1 rack of lamb (about 8 ribs)
2 cups fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup almonds or pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
Mint Pesto Preparation: In a food processor, combine the fresh mint leaves, parmesan cheese, nuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped with the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice until you get a smooth paste. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Lamb Rack Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Season the lamb rack generously with salt and pepper.
Sealing the Meat: In a hot skillet with a touch of oil, sear the lamb rack on all sides until it's golden brown. This helps in locking the juices and ensures a delightful crust.
Roasting to Perfection: Place the seared lamb rack on a roasting tray and brush a generous amount of mint pesto over the top. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes for medium-rare.
Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the larnb from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This ensures all the delicious juices are retained. Slice between the bones to serve individual ribs, and offer extra mint pesto on the side.