For the Green Sauce:
- 1½ cups flat-leaf parsley leaves
- ⅔ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lightly toasted almonds
- 2 teaspoons balsamic reduction
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Lamb:
- 1 rack (8 ribs) New Zealand baby lamb, Frenched and trimmed of excess fat (ask your butcher to do this)
- Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- Leaves from 2 sprigs rosemary, chopped
Step 1: Prepare the Green Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine the parsley, mint, rosemary, olive oil, almonds, balsamic reduction, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth but still slightly textured. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or a splash more lemon juice if needed. Set aside.
Step 2: Season the Lamb
Preheat a grill or grill pan until very hot and set your oven to 350°F. Generously season the lamb rack with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Marinate and Grill:
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of the olive oil with the chopped garlic and rosemary. Spoon half the mixture over the lamb and grill for 1 minute per side, just enough to get a gorgeous sear.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Place the lamb rack on a sheet pan, spoon the remaining marinade over the top, and roast in the oven until the internal temperature reaches: 125°F for rare or 130°F for medium-rare. This should take about 8–12 minutes, depending on your oven.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Let the lamb rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice between each rib to create perfectly portioned “lollipops.”
Step 6: Serve
Arrange the lamb lollipops on a platter and serve alongside the vibrant green sauce. Garnish with a few fresh herbs for that extra touch of elegance.
Pair these with a bold red wine like a Syrah or Malbec for a stunning flavour combo. And if you’re feeling indulgent, serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a crisp arugula salad to balance the richness of the lamb.
Bon appétit, my friends—these are guaranteed to steal the show!
