The Hunger Games: Train Car Dinner – Lamb Chop with Mash Potatoes

yield: 4      prep time: 25 minutes      total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

ingredients:

mash potatoes

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled, quartered
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

lamb rib chop

• 4 double rib lamb chops
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

salad:

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• cherry tomatoes, optional

directions:

1. Combine the chopped rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp of olive oil.  Rub the mixture over the lamb and let it marinate for 1 hour.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold water and bring to a boil over medium heat.  Cook the potatoes until tender and easily pierced with a knife.  Drain very well.
3. Heat the butter and cream in separate pot just to a simmer and remove from the heat.  Meanwhile, mash the potatoes with a masher.  Add the hot cream and butter and stir to combine.  Season with salt and pepper.  Place the mashed potatoes over a double boiler, covered, to keep warm.
4. Heat a pan over medium heat with the rest of the olive oil.  Sear the lamb chops on both sides until golden brown on both sides.  Cook to desired doneness.  For double rib chops, I cooked mine for 5 minutes on each side and finished it in a 400F oven.
5. Prepare the vinaigrette by combining the shallots, mustard, lemon juice.  Whisk in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Toss the vinaigrette with the greens and tomatoes.
6. Prepare each plate with with the mashed potatoes as the base.  Lay the lamb on top.  Add the greens on the side and enjoy!