Ingredients

• 2 leeks, trimmed, or hard green parts, split in half, well washed, and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 ounces dried black trumpet or other dried mushrooms
• 1 large egg, beaten with a little salt and pepper
• All-purpose flour, for dredging
• 2 racks of lamb, boned
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces shiitake or other mushroom, trimmed and cut into chunks
• 2 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
• 2 fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

1. Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil, Add leeks, and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Drain, and transfer to a blender. Add butter and season with salt and pepper. Puree; transfer to a warm place.
2. Place dried mushrooms in a spice mill or coffee grinder; grind to the consistency of coffee. Transfer to a plate.
3. Place egg in a bowl; add some salt and pepper, and beat lightly. Place flour on a plate. Dip lamb very lightly in flour; shake off excess. Dip into egg, then into mushrooms. Pat mushrooms to adhere so they coat the lamb heavily. Refrigerate up to 2 hours.
4. Heat oven to 500 degrees F.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 10-inch skillet; add the shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in an ovenproof skillet set over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the lamb; cook 2 minutes on one side, and then turn over. Place the skillet in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes for rare meat, or a little longer for more well done.
7. Let the lamb rest 1 minute, then cut it into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place a dollop of leek puree on each plate, top with a portion of mushrooms, and then place the lamb on top. Sprinkle with a little coarse salt, and serve.