Turkish-Spiced Lamb Rack

Rosy, spice-crusted lamb chops meet juicy summer tomatoes, lemony bulgur, fresh herbs, and cooling garlic yogurt in an elegant dinner for two.

Ingredients

  • Frenched Lamb Rib Rack
    1 rack (about 1¼–1½ pounds) $27.99
  • Organic Heirloom Tomatoes
    12 ounces $4.43
  • Organic Whole Grain Bulgur Wheat
    1/2 cup $2.99
  • Water
    3/4 cup
  • Plain Greek yogurt
    1/2 cup
  • Organic Garlic
    3 cloves $2.69
  • Organic Italian Parsley
    1/4 cup chopped $2.29
  • Organic Spearmint
    2 tablespoons chopped $2.99
  • Organic Lemons
    1 lemon (2 tablespoons juice) $1.29
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    3 tablespoons
  • Honey
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground cumin
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground coriander
    1 teaspoon
  • Sweet paprika
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground cinnamon
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    3 1/4 teaspoons
  • Black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Mince 3 garlic cloves, chop 1/4 cup parsley and 2 tablespoons spearmint, juice 1 lemon to yield 2 tablespoons juice, and cut 12 ounces heirloom tomatoes into wedges.
  2. Combine 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Rub the mixture over 1 lamb rack and let stand for 10 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the 1 seasoned rack for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
  3. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 14–18 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center away from the bone registers 135–140°F; it will approach 145°F as it rests.
  4. While the skillet is in the oven, bring 3/4 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in 1/2 cup bulgur, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes; remove from the heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
  5. Toss the prepared 12 ounces heirloom tomatoes with all the cooked bulgur, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped spearmint, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  6. Stir together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped spearmint, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
  7. Rest the roast for 10 minutes, carve between the bones, and plate half of each prepared component per person, spooning the cool yogurt sauce alongside.

Total time: 55 minutes

Estimated cost: $41–$47 based on listed package prices

Health notes: About 760 calories per serving, with roughly 45 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber.

Drink pairing: A savory Syrah complements the warmly spiced lamb while standing up to the ripe tomatoes and tangy yogurt.