Skip to main content

Pomegranate-and-Fennel-Glazed Rack of Lamb

Image may contain Food Animal Seafood Lobster Sea Life and Steak
Two racks make enough for each person to have two chops. Cut between each bone individually for single chops, or cut into double-rib portions.Christopher Testani

Two racks make enough for each person to have two lamb chops for this recipe. Cut between each bone individually for single chops, or cut into double-rib portions.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8 Servings

Ingredients

3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses
3 tablespoons fennel seeds, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 medium fennel bulbs, sliced lengthwise
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 3–3½-pound racks of lamb, rib bones frenched
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
¼ cup pomegranate seeds

Sourcing Info

Be sure to ask for American lamb rather than New Zealand. The delicate New Zealand breeds are much smaller than the meaty domestic varieties, so the cooking time (and yield) would change significantly.

Ingredient Info

Pomegranate molasses is available at Middle Eastern markets and some supermarkets, and online.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 425°. Mix oregano, olive oil, 3 Tbsp. pomegranate molasses, and 2 Tbsp. fennel seeds in a small bowl; season oregano mixture with salt and pepper.

    Step 2

    Toss fennel, onion, remaining 1 Tbsp. fennel seeds, and remaining 2 tsp. pomegranate molasses in a large baking dish or roasting pan; season with salt and pepper. Distribute evenly across bottom of pan.

    Step 3

    Season lamb with salt and pepper. Heat 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium. Cook 1 rack of lamb, fat side down, until golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Turn and cook until other side is just browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to dish with fennel mixture, placing fat side up, and rub with half of oregano mixture. Wipe out skillet and repeat with remaining 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, second rack of lamb, and remaining oregano mixture.

    Step 4

    Roast lamb and vegetables until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of lamb registers 125° for medium-rare, 25–30 minutes. Transfer lamb to a cutting board and let rest at least 10 minutes before carving.

    Step 5

    Meanwhile, toss vegetables in pan drippings to coat and continue to roast until tender and starting to caramelize, 10–15 minutes. Remove from oven; add vinegar and toss to combine.

    Step 6

    Serve lamb over vegetables topped with pomegranate seeds.

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories (kcal) 800 Fat (g) 64 Saturated Fat (g) 25 Cholesterol (mg) 185 Carbohydrates (g) 13 Dietary Fiber (g) 3 Total Sugars (g) 5 Protein (g) 42 Sodium (mg) 170
Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.