Roasted Rack of Lamb w/ Turkish Spices, Yogurt Sauce, and Rice
A recipe inspired by travel to Istanbul, from the use of sweet apricots in savory dishes, to the yogurt, the rice pilafs, pistachios, and spice mixes.
- Prep time
- 45 min
- Cook time
- 30 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
- 1 large red onion ((cut into wedges))
- 5 apricots ((quartered))
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- 2 racks lamb
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sumac ((if you can find it))
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp dried mint
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 medium onion ((thinly sliced))
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cup cooked basmati rice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup roasted chopped pistachios ((optional))
- salt and pepper
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber ((diced))
- 2 clove minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a roasting pan, add the red onion and apricots. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven for about 10 minutes just to get them going and set aside.
- 2
Clean the lamb and pat dry. Season thoroughly with salt and pepper. Heat a large heavy skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan and sear the rack of lamb on both sides. Combine all the spices and herbs in a small bowl and rub the mixture onto the seared lamb.
- 3
Transfer to a roasting pan and roast in the oven uncovered for about 12 minutes for medium rare. Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and allow the meat to rest for another 10 minutes before serving.
- 4
In a small saucepan over medium high heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the cumin and curry powder and fry for about 5 seconds. Then add the chickpeas along with a bit of salt. Stir everything around to warm and crisp up the chickpeas, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
- 5
Toss the sliced onion with the flour until it’s all lightly coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan. Test the oil temperature by tossing in a piece of onion. If it sizzles vigorously, it’s ready. Fry the onions in batches until crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with salt. In a big bowl, toss together the cooked rice, parsley, cilantro, raisins, pistachios, chickpeas, crispy onions, and salt and pepper to taste.
- 6
Stir together all the ingredients in a bowl.