Oven-baked lamb ribs with red wine and mint

Oven-baked lamb ribs with red wine and mint

If you're looking for a dish that will impress, oven-baked lamb ribs with red wine and mint are the perfect choice. This recipe is not only delicious but also full of flavors that evoke rich culinary traditions. The dish combines the tenderness of lamb meat with a flavorful sauce, transforming an ordinary meal into a true feast for the taste buds.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the ribs:
- 6 small lamb ribs with a bit of fat
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 3/4 cup red wine (recommend Croix de Rambeau 2009 for an intense flavor)
- A few fresh mint leaves

For the potatoes:
- 6 small new potatoes, unpeeled, cut in half lengthwise
- 10 grams unsalted butter
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Marinating the ribs
Start by preparing the flavorful marinade. In a mortar, add the 2 peeled garlic cloves and a pinch of coarse salt. Use a pestle to turn the garlic and salt into a smooth paste. Then, add the thyme sprigs and one of the rosemary sprigs and continue grinding until you achieve an emulsion.

Practical tips: Make sure to use fresh herbs to intensify the flavors. If you don't have a mortar, you can use a food processor, but the flavor will be less concentrated.

2. Coating the ribs
Coat the lamb ribs with the emulsion obtained, ensuring each piece is well covered. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour (ideally overnight).

3. Preparing the baking tray
Preheat the oven to 210 degrees Celsius. In a baking tray, place the carrot slices as a bed for the ribs. Add the remaining rosemary, the lamb ribs, and the 2 garlic cloves left in their skins. Drizzle everything with the red wine and add 30 ml of water.

4. Baking the ribs
Place the tray in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Turn the ribs halfway through to ensure even browning. Once the baking time is up, let the ribs rest in the oven for 10 minutes, covered with aluminum foil.

5. Preparing the potatoes
Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, and put the potatoes to boil for 5 minutes. This step will make them more tender and allow them to brown better in the pan.

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it stops foaming, add the drained potatoes and let them brown for 3-4 minutes. Carefully turn them and continue cooking for a few more minutes until golden.

6. Finishing the potatoes
Add 20 ml of water to the skillet and immediately cover with a lid. Let them steam for 4 minutes, shaking the skillet occasionally to prevent sticking. Once ready, remove the skillet from heat and add the minced garlic and a sprig of rosemary, covering again for 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors.

7. Serving
The lamb ribs are now ready! Garnish them with fresh mint leaves and serve alongside the aromatic potatoes.

Serving suggestion: You can add a delicious sauce made from the leftover sauce in the tray from the ribs. Simmer it over medium heat until reduced by half, then mix it with a little crème fraîche, salt, and pepper for a creamy sauce that will perfectly complement the dish.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can add different oven-roasted vegetables, such as onion or zucchini, to diversify the flavors. You can also substitute the red wine with white wine if you prefer a lighter note.

Nutritional information
This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the lamb meat, while garlic and fresh herbs provide antioxidants. The ribs are rich in healthy fats, but it's best to consume them in moderation. The potatoes contribute healthy carbohydrates, while mint adds a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions
1. What wine should I use?
I recommend a dry red wine with a rich flavor that complements the lamb meat.

2. Can I use lamb meat from another part?
Yes, you can also use lamb meat from other parts, such as the leg, but the cooking time will vary.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for other diets?
You can use chicken or turkey for a lighter version or replace the potatoes with steamed vegetables for a vegetarian option.

4. What drinks pair well with this dish?
Besides the wine used in the preparation, you can also serve a dry white wine or a pale beer that will complement the flavors of the lamb.

This recipe for oven-baked lamb ribs with red wine and mint will surely become a favorite in your family, bringing a touch of refinement and tradition to your table. Enjoy!