Spiced Rack of Lamb with Golden Turmeric Coconut Rice

Ingredients 

For the Lamb

• 1 rack of Coastal Lamb Rack (about 8 ribs)
• 1 tbsp Garam Masala
• 1 tbsp Za’atar
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil

For Golden Coconut Rice

• 1½ cups Jasmine or Basmati Rice
• 1 Shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1½ cups Chicken Stock
• 1 cup Coconut Milk
• Salt, to taste
  

For Zesty Yoghurt Sauce

• ½ cup Greek yoghurt
• 1 small Garlic Clove, finely grated
• 1 handful fresh Cilantro, finely chopped
• Juice of ½ a Lime
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
  

To Serve 

• fresh Lime Wedges
• Extra Cilantro or Herbs (Optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together garam masala, za’atar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
2. Score the lamb with deep cross-hatch incisions to allow the marinade to penetrate.
3. Rub the marinade generously all over the lamb, massaging it into the cuts. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).
4. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
5. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb on all sides until golden and caramelized, about 2–3 minutes per side.
6. Transfer to a wire rack over a tray and roast in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 55°C (130°F) for medium-rare.
7. Rest the lamb for 10 minutes before slicing.
8. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté the sliced shallots until soft and lightly golden.
9. Add turmeric and uncooked rice, stirring to coat and toast for about 2 minutes.
10. Pour in chicken stock and coconut milk, season with salt, and stir.
11. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes, or until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
12. For the yoghurt sauce, in a bowl, mix Greek yoghurt, garlic, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until smooth and flavorful.
13. To serve, spoon rice into a bowl or plate. Slice the rested lamb into thick chops and place on top.
14. Add a generous dollop of the yoghurt sauce and garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro.

This recipe pairs beautifully with Ampersand Estates Shiraz 2023

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