Turkish-Spiced Lamb Rack

A celebratory Turkish-inspired rack of lamb for two, paired with a warm bulgur salad showcasing peak-season Washington heirloom tomatoes and a cool herb yogurt.

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
    1 3/8 teaspoons
  • Black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the center; set out a large oven-safe skillet, a small saucepan, and two mixing bowls.
  2. Mix 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Rub the mixture over 1 Frenched lamb rib rack and let stand for 10 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the oven-safe skillet over medium-high and sear the 1 coated rack for about 5 minutes total, turning to brown all sides.
  3. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 14–18 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted away from the bone registers 135–140°F; carryover cooking during the rest will bring it to a safe 145°F.
  4. While the skillet is in the oven, bring 3/4 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt to a boil in the saucepan. Stir in 1/2 cup bulgur wheat, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes; remove from the heat and stand covered for 5 minutes.
  5. Cut 12 ounces heirloom tomatoes into wedges and toss with all cooked bulgur, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped spearmint, 1/4 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 1/8 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 sauce beside the chops.

Total time: 55 minutes

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

Health notes: About 760 calories per serving, with roughly 45 grams protein and 6 grams fiber from lamb, bulgur, tomatoes, and herbs.

Drink pairing: A savory Syrah complements the spiced lamb and has enough acidity for the ripe tomatoes and tangy yogurt.