It doesn’t matter if you pair this simple, spicy-sweet chutney with an oven-roasted rack of lamb or a pork shoulder or even a hearty cut of fish – just make it before rhubarb season is over. Tangy and sweet have never tasted so good together.
Oven-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Harissa-Rhubarb Chutney
for chutney:
¾ cup sugar
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons Cava harissa
4 cups ½-inch cubes fresh rhubarb (about 1 ½ pounds)
1/3 cup dried tart cherries or golden raisins
for lamb:
Frenched rack of lamb
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley sprigs for garnish
Combine first 8 ingredients in heavy large Dutch oven. Bring to simmer over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add rhubarb, onion, and dried cherries; increase heat to medium-high and cook until rhubarb is tender and mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Cool completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Sprinkle lamb with cumin and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, place chops in the skillet and sear until golden-brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove the chops from the skillet and place them on the rack of a broiling pan. Roast chops 10-12 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the chops without touching the bone registers 135 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare. Brush with chutney and cook another 2 minutes. Serve with remaining chutney.
You can purchase our line of small-batch dips and spreads at your area Whole Foods or other area specialty market.
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Earlier Spring Recipes:
Tzatziki Marinated Salmon with Edamame Mash and Charred Scallions
Asparagus Tart with Crazy Feta and Tzatziki Drizzle
Spring Veggie Grain Bowl with Halloumi and Turmeric-Tahini Dressing