Rack of Lamb with Pistachio Pesto Worth the Effort

Elevate your dinner table with this show-stopping Rack of Lamb with Pistachio Pesto, a luxurious dish that's undeniably "worth the effort." Juicy, tender lamb racks are expertly seared, then coated with a vibrant pistachio and basil pesto crust that’s enhanced by Parmesan, garlic, and a touch of honey for a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Topped with panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch, this recipe combines sophisticated flavor profiles and stunning presentation for a gourmet dining experience at home. With just 20 minutes of prep time and straightforward steps, this impressive main course is ideal for special occasions or an elevated weeknight treat. Pair it with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a meal that’s sure to impress. Perfectly seasoned and roasted to medium-rare perfection, this pistachio-crusted rack of lamb will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 racks (8 ribs each) Rack of lamb
• 2 teaspoons (finely chopped) Fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon (freshly ground) Black pepper
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 cup (shelled, unsalted) Pistachios
• 1.5 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Pat the lamb racks dry with paper towels, then season both sides with rosemary, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb racks in the skillet, fat side down first, for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4

In a food processor, combine the pistachios, basil leaves, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, honey, and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Pulse until a thick pesto forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix the pesto with the panko breadcrumbs until evenly combined.

Step 6

Spread the pistachio pesto mixture generously over the fat side of the lamb racks, pressing to create an even crust.

Step 7

Place the lamb racks on the prepared baking sheet, crust-side up. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.

Step 8

Remove the lamb from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into individual chops.

Step 9

Serve the beautifully crusted lamb chops with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy your gourmet meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2120.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6224.4

Total Fat 508.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 197.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 22.3g
Cholesterol 1520.5mg	0%
Sodium 4014.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 68.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.9g	0%
Total Sugars 17.9g
Protein 345.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 654.6mg	0%
Iron 36.3mg	0%
Potassium 5604.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 73.4%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 4.4%