This time of year there is a lot of entertaining going on in our neighbourhood with house parties abound. The food is just as diverse are our friends who are hosting these little soirees from wine and cheese minglers to the causal elegance of a sit down dinner.
If you are hosting a party this season we have a perfect recipe that gives a tender juicy lamb loin or rib chop a bit of zing in the flavour department using locally grown lavender. The aromatic rub of lavender and orange zest is an ideal flavour combination to make any cut of lamb a herbal fragrant note that is reminiscent of the southern coast of France.
Served with a lovely fall salad of arugula or other bitter greens and tossed with roasted hazelnuts and pomegranate seeds. The pomegranate seeds are delightfully sweet and crunchy. The bright red colour and burst of flavour is one of our favourite additions to any salad this time of year, not just this one.
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 Tablespoon minced shallot
1 Tablespoon finely grated orange zest
1 teaspoon Serenity Lavender’s dried culinary lavender buds
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of freshly ground black peppercorns
8 double cut lamb chops (about 450 grams each)
Method
In a bowl, blend the olive oil with the shallot orange zest, lavender, salt and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the lamb chops ad transfer them onto a broiling pan or metal rack set on a baking sheet. Let the chops rest in the fridge for 2 -3 hours
Preheat the broiler and position a rack 8-10 inches from the heat. Broil the chops for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally until the temperature reads 140 degrees F.
Salad
Ingredients
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a large lemon)
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
400 grams of arugula
1/2 cup of roasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Method
Place the arugula in a large bowl. Add the remainder of the ingredients into a small round covered plastic container. Shake well until the oil and lemon juice are blended. Pour over the lettuce, toss and serve with the lamb chops.
Enjoy!
Impress your guests with this beautiful pistachio crusted roast rack of lamb using Serenity’s Herbes de Provence and Culinary Lavender. Sweet, nutty pistachios are added to a traditional Dijon mustard crust, which gives the lamb a great flavor and texture.
Makes 4 Portions Pistachio Crusted Roast Rack of Lamb
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 fully trimmed racks of lamb (just under 1 1/2 pounds each)
- 1 teaspoon Serenity Lavender’s Herbes de Provence, or dried Italian herb blend
- salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- For the crust:
- 2/3 cup finely chopped roasted pistachios
- 2 tablespoon plain bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon Serenity Lavender’s Culinary Lavender finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- pinch of salt and fresh ground black pepper
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Season the lamb very generously with the fresh black pepper and salt to taste. Sprinkle over and press in the dried herbs. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet, and brown the lamb racks on both sides for a few minutes over high heat. Remove to a roasting pan and reserve.
Use a brush or spoon to spread the Dijon mustard over the surfaces of the lamb. Spread some on the sides and ends, but most should remain on the top surface.
Combine the crust ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Divide between the 2 racks of lamb, and sprinkle over to cover the mustard-spread surface. Once evenly distributed, press gently with your fingers to makes sure it’s adhering to the mustard.
Place in the preheated oven and cook for 25 minutes, or until the internal temp is 125-130 degrees F, for medium-rare. Remove and let rest 10 minutes before slicing between the bones and serving. Garnish with a sprig of Lavender!
Impress your guests with this beautiful pistachio crusted roast rack of lamb using Serenity’s Herbes de Provence and Culinary Lavender. Sweet, nutty pistachios are added to a traditional Dijon mustard crust, which gives the lamb a great flavor and texture.