Smoked Pistachio Rack of Lamb

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon peppercorns black
• 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin 
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 
• 0.3 cup mint leaves fresh
• 6 cloves garlic peeled ( half a head)
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar 
• 1 rack lamb loins ( 720 grams, 27 ounces)
• 0.3 cup pistachios shelled
• 3 servings pomegranate molasses for serving
• 1 tablespoons salt 
• 2 tablespoons freshly tea 
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds whole
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds whole

Equipment

• food processor
• bowl
• frying pan
• oven
• wire rack
• pot
• aluminum foil
• dutch oven
• cutting board

Directions

1. To make the pistachio crust, add the garlic, mint, olive oil, salt, cumin, fennel, coriander, and black peppercorns to the small bowl of a food processor and pulse until everything is roughly ground. You'll need to scrape down the sides of the work-bowl a few times.
2. Add the pistachios and pulse until the mixture is a coarse gravelly texture.
3. Spread the pistachio mixture all over the rack of lamb, cover and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C)Line a cast iron dutch oven with aluminum foil.
4. Add the tea and sugar then place a wire rack over on top to keep the rack of lamb elevated off the tea and sugar. With an externally venting hood running on high, cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and heat over high until you see smoke coming out from the pot. Quickly add the rack of lamb, and close the lid. Smoke the lamb for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the lid, then transfer the pan to the oven and roast until the lamb has reached 135 degrees F (57 C) for medium rare (about 20-25 minutes).
6. Remove the lamb from the oven and transfer to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing the lamb chops between the bones.
7. Serve with pomegranate molasses.