Sunday, March 21, 2010

Barbecued Lamb Chops

This is a variation on Mario Battali's recipe and my favorite lamb recipe.



Ingredients

* 2 racks of lamb
* 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
* Salt
* 2 tablespoons plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 medium red onion, sliced into 1/4-inch thick half moons
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 3 oranges, zested and juiced
* 3 lemons, zested and juiced
* 3 limes, zested and juiced
* 1 bunch Italian parsley, leaves chopped fine

Directions

If preparing in conjunction with the fire-roasted artichokes, the barbecue should be lit and then artichokes started when this dish is begun. If not, light the barbecue.

Clean and trim both racks of lamb and cut into 8 double chops. Chop the rosemary with salt. Rub the chops with the herbs and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Set aside.

In a 2 to 3-quart saucepan, heat the 3 remaining tablespoons olive oil over high heat. Before the oil begins to smoke, add the onion and cook until softened, about 7 to 9 minutes. Add the sugar and continue cooking until a dark brown caramel begins to form. Add the citrus juices, the zests, and simmer 5 minutes more. Add the fruit segments and simmer 2 more minutes, and remove from the heat.

Grill the lamb chops over the hot part of the grill 5 to 7 minutes per each side for medium rare. Remove the artichokes from the grill and arrange on a platter. Arrange the cooked lamb chops on the other end. Brush the chops with marjaram leaves dipped in citrus sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with Fire Roasted Artichokes