Chefs Olivier Desaintmarten and Olivier Dubreil Grilled Rack of Lamb with Fennel Dust and Pear Brandy Risotto

  • Prep time 20Min
  • Cook time 1Hr
  • Technique Grill, Grill
  • Meat Lamb
  • Cut Rack
  • Serves 24

As concepted by Chefs Olivier Desaintmarten and Olivier Dubreil at True Aussie's Chef Immersion in Philadelphia. Recipe has not been tested in our kitchens.

Ingredients

For the Pear Brandy Risotto:

  • 6 quarts chicken stock
  • 1 cup butter, divided
  • 2 pounds mixed wild mushrooms, cleaned
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 2-2/3 cups pear brandy
  • 1-1/2 quarts heavy cream
  • 6 quarts chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped shallots
  • 7 cups Carnaroli rice
  • 2-2/3 cups pear brandy
  • 1-1/2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Ground black pepper to taste

For the rack of lamb:

  • 12 racks (about 1 to 1-1/2 pounds each) Australian Rack of Lamb, trimmed, frenched
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fennel dust

Method

For the Risotto:
1. Bring stock to simmer in large stock pot on medium heat.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1/2 cup butter in large sauté pan on medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 5-7 min. or until golden brown. Carefully add cranberries and brandy; bring to a boil and reduce liquid by half.
3. Reduce heat to medium, add cream to mushroom mixture. Simmer 7-10 min. or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat; cool slightly.
4. Add olive oil and remaining butter to large rondeau on medium heat. Add shallots; cook 2-3 min. until softened.
5. Add rice; stir to coat. Add hot stock, 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly. Cook until most liquid is absorbed. Repeat with remaining stock. Cook mixture just until rice is slightly chewy. Stir in mushroom mixture and cheese.
6. Season risotto to taste with kosher salt and ground black pepper.

For the Lamb:
7. Lightly brush lamb with olive oil and season with thyme, salt and pepper.
8. Cover lamb bones with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
9. Grill racks, bone side down first, on a grill preheated to MEDIUM, 2 to 4 min. until lightly browned.
10. Move racks to indirect heat; grill 15 min. or until meat is medium-rare. (120°F)
11. Remove from heat, cover and rest for 5-10 min. until meat is done. (125-130°F)
12. Slice rack into individual chops. Serve warm sprinkled with fennel dust atop warm risotto.