Ingredients

Lamb

• 1 tablespoon coriander

• 1 1/4 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon brown mustard seed

• 1 clove

• •1/2 teaspoon salt

• •1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• •3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

• •3 frenched racks of lamb (8 ribs and 1 1/2 lb each rack), trimmed mostly of fat, then brought to room temperature

Mint-Coriander Sauce

• 2 ounces (half bunch each) mint and coriander(cilantro)

• 1/3-cup boiling water

• 1-tablespoon sugar

• 1/3-cup cider vinegar

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Special equipment: instant-read thermometer, cast-iron skillet (optional)

Preparation

Heat skillet over medium high until hot but not smoking, add corriander, cumin, brown mustard, and clove. Roast for 3-4, adjusting heat to avoid burning, smell should be appaerent.

Pour into mortar and pestel add 2 tablespoons olive oil, mash into a paste.

Place oven rack to middle, set to 400F (200C).

Season lamb with salt and pepper,score, add remaining oil to a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat, not smoking. then brown lamb 1 rack at a time, turning once, about 4 minutes per rack. Transfer to a 13- by 9- by 2-inch roasting pan, arranging fatty sides up.

Spread fatty sides with spice paste, some on meat sides.

Roast lamb until thermometer inserted diagonally 2 inches into center (avoiding the bone) registers 130°F (for medium-rare), 20 to 25 minutes, and transfer to a cutting board with tongs. Rest for 10 minutes, then slice