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1
Season rack of lamb well on all sides with salt and pepper.
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2
Heat a medium skillet over high heat and, when hot, add the oil.
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3
When the oil is almost smoking, add the rack of lamb and brown well on all sides, about 6 minutes.
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4
Transfer the lamb to a plate and set aside to cool slightly before proceeding.
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5
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
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6
Using the back of a spoon, spread the mustard evenly over all sides of the lamb.
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7
Spread the minced garlic over the lamb in the same manner.
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8
In a small mixing bowl combine the breadcrumbs and grated cheese and toss to thoroughly combine.
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9
Using your hands or a spoon, spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly all over the lamb, pressing so that the crumbs adhere to the meat.
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10
Place the rack of lamb on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes for medium-rare.
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11
Allow lamb to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before carving into chops to serve.
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12
Serve with some of the Fig Chutney, if desired.
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13
Fresh Fig Chutney:.
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14
2 1/2 cups red wine vinegar.
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15
1/2 pound light brown sugar.
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16
1 onion, chopped.
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17
1/4 cup chopped fresh ginger.
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18
1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds.
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19
1/4 lemon, zested.
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20
1/2 cinnamon stick.
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21
1 3/4 teaspoons salt.
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22
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice.
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23
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves.
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24
1 1/4 pounds firm, slightly underripe fresh figs, rinsed, stems removed and halved.
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25
In a large saucepan combine the vinegar, sugar, onion, ginger, mustard seeds, lemon zest, cinnamon stick, salt, allspice, and cloves and bring to a boil.
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26
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until mixture is thickened and reduced by 2/3, forming a thick syrup.
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27
Add the figs and cook gently until the figs are very soft and beginning to fall apart and most of the liquid they've given off has evaporated, about 30 minutes.
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28
Transfer the chutney to a non-reactive container and allow to come to room temperature before serving.
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29
The chutney may be made up to 3 weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
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30
(Alternately, hot chutney may be ladled into hot sterilized canning jars and processed in a hot-water bath according to manufacturer's directions.
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31
).