ROASTED RACK OF LAMB WITH ROSEMARY-POMEGRANATE SAUCE AND GOAT CHEESE POTATO CAKE

Steps:

• For the lamb: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat and add the oil. Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Sear the lamb racks, fleshiest side down first. Let sit and brown about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and sear the other side. Repeat with the other rack. Transfer lamb racks to a sheet pan.
• Combine the thyme and rosemary and press an even amount into each seared lamb rack. Let sit for a few minutes.
• Roast the lamb in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat. When the jam is melted, turn off the heat. Brush a light coating of jam on each piece of lamb.
• For the sauce: Heat a deep saute pan over medium heat and add the oil, lamb trimmings, and rosemary. Cook until the fat is a little cooked down and the trimmings are deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Deglaze the pan with the chicken stock. Reduce by two-thirds.
• Stir in the demi glace and pomegranate juice concentrate. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Strain the sauce and set aside. Just before ready to serve, re-warm the sauce and whisk in the butter. Taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper, if needed.
• For the potato cakes: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Grate the potatoes and blend with the flour, egg, salt, and pepper.
• Drizzle the oil into the small cast iron pans and fill halfway with the grated potatoes. Top the potatoes with salt, pepper, and goat cheese. Top with the remaining potatoes.
• Bake the potato cakes in the oven until golden brown and cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Turn the pans over to unmold the potato cakes.
• For the julienned vegetables: Heat a saute pan over medium heat and add some oil. Saute the julienned vegetables and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are just softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Taste a bite and cook for another minute if the vegetables are still hard.
• To plate: Slice off 2 chops from each rack and then cut the meat from the rest of the rack into slices. Serve each guest 1 lamb chop on the bone and 3 slices of boneless meat. Serve with a potato cake and sauteed vegetables.