GATHER JOURNAL

Photograph by Marcus Nilsson Food Styling by Maggie Ruggiero


    

Jurassic Dong Bei Lamb Rack

Mains from Issue 8 – Winter 2016 – Origin

Our primeval lamb rack is mammoth in both size and flavor—swaddled in a parade of spices (cumin, chilies, and sesame, both black and white) that derive their influences from China’s Dong Bei region near Mongolia, it will inspire a dinosaur-like appetite.

serves 4



LAMB
  • 1 (2 lb) lamb rack, bones frenched and fat trimmed
  • 3 Tbsp canola oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 1 garlic clove, smashed
  • 1 two-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup Shaoxing wine
  • ¼ cup cumin seeds
  • 2 pieces star anise
  • 3 Tbsp cornstarch whisked into 2 Tbsp cold water just before using

SPICE RUB
  • ½ cup whole dried chilies (Tientsin or Tianjin, found at Asian markets)
  • 2 Tbsp whole cumin seeds
  • 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp black sesame seeds
  • 1 Tbsp white sesame seeds
  • 1 Tbsp fried onions or shallots (found at Asian markets)

  • 1

    Preheat oven to 325°F. Season lamb rack with salt. Heat 2 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat in a heavy bottomed skillet large enough to fit the rack. Brown rack until deep golden brown, then set aside. Discard all but 1 Tbsp fat from pan and reduce heat to medium. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in wine and return rack to skillet fat side down. Add cumin, anise, and enough water to just cover three quarters of the way up the lamb. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven. Bake until lamb is tender, about 1½ to 2 hours. (Lamb can be made up to two days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Reheat in braising liquid until hot throughout, 15 to 20 minutes).
  • 2

    Meanwhile, make spice rub. Coarsely grind chilies in a food processor or mortar and pestle, then stir together with remaining rub ingredients, along with ½ tsp salt and set aside.
  • 3

    When lamb is tender, discard liquid and cool slightly. Whisk together cornstarch with water and brush onto top and sides. Coat with spices, saving any that won’t stick. Wipe skillet clean and heat remaining 1 Tbsp oil. Sear lamb 20 seconds on each side and transfer to a serving platter. Add remaining spices to skillet and cook until fragrant and toasted, 15 to 20 seconds. Spoon over and around rack. Slice into chops to serve.