Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Spring Lamb Roast Recipe: Jamie Oliver’s Secret Ingredient for Enhanced Flavor
Lamb is an excellent choice for a springtime roast dinner, however, achieving perfect cooking can be tricky. As lamb becomes increasingly pricey, mastering the seasoning is essential. Fortunately, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver employs an uncommon element in his roast to unlock optimal flavour: roasted rhubarb. This unexpected pairing elevates the dish, offering a delightful twist on traditional recipes.
The Surprising Flavor Combination
While many culinary experts typically turn to garlic and rosemary for classic lamb seasonings, Jamie Oliver’s recipe from “Naked Chef” combines the protein with a distinctive ingredient—roasted rhubarb. This unusual blend complements the rich tastes of lamb remarkably well. The acidic tang of rhubarb is ideally suited to balance the intense richness of the lamb, creating a harmonious flavour profile.
Sweet, Sour, and Savory Notes
Glazing the lamb and rhubarb with a generous coating of honey further moderates the rhubarb’s acidity. This technique enhances the rhubarb’s inherent sweetness, resulting in a combination of sweet, sour, and savory notes designed to tantalize your palate.
Persian Recipe Inspiration
Despite rhubarb being commonly grown in British gardens and allotments, particularly in West Yorkshire’s renowned rhubarb region, the pairing of lamb and rhubarb is traditionally Persian. Iran’s khoresh rivas, a lamb and rhubarb stew with a rich history, serves as direct inspiration for Jamie Oliver’s recipe, drawing influence from the region’s established flavour combinations.
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
Although lamb shoulder is frequently used for roast dinners, Oliver opted for a rack of lamb. He enhances this cut with an almond and herb crust to infuse it with taste while preventing any dryness during cooking. This method ensures a moist and flavourful centerpiece for your meal.
Simple Recipe, Maximum Flavor
This straightforward recipe requires only a small number of ingredients. The majority of the cooking duration is dedicated to roasting the lamb in the oven, making it a relatively hands-off dish once prepared.
Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Rhubarb
- Begin by cutting the rhubarb stalks into approximately 5cm lengths.
- Lightly glaze with oil and honey.
- Distribute the rhubarb evenly on a roasting tray.
Making the Herb Crust
- Prepare the herb coating by processing almonds, fresh parsley, mint, and chives in a food processor.
- Incorporate a handful of breadcrumbs into the herb mixture and reserve.
Preparing and Roasting the Lamb
- Make incisions in the fat of the lamb rack.
- Coat the lamb with a couple of tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
- Firmly press the herb mixture onto the mustard-coated lamb.
- Position the lamb atop the prepared rhubarb on the roasting tray.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for 25 to 35 minutes, adjusting cooking time to your preferred level of pinkness.
Serving Suggestions
After resting, the roast lamb is prepared to be served. Pair it with classic roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables, or opt for couscous and a fresh salad for a lighter accompaniment.