Although she seemingly dreams up new and delicious recipes on a weekly basis for her cookbooks and television shows, Ina Garten is just like us when it comes to relying on old favorites for hosting a successful dinner party. As part of a new series on Instagram, Garten answered the question, “What’s the easiest menu when you’re cooking for a lot of people?” And her answer is a dish that she’s prepared so many times, she could probably make it with her eyes closed.
“I have one menu that I always make. I call it ‘Getting To Know You Menu’ [and] it’s from Barefoot Contessa Parties!” Garten said in the video. “It’s Rack of Lamb and Orzo with Roasted Vegetables. I can make it in my sleep. It’s absolutely delicious and it’s really easy to prepare.
It sounds fancy and complicated, but Garten’s right — this meal is actually quite simple. Sourcing the “frenched” lamb rack may be the hardest part. But once you have it, all you do is mince salt, rosemary, and garlic in a food processor, then combine with Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar.
Cover the lamb with the mixture and allow it to sit at room temperature for about an hour before throwing it in the oven at 450 degrees. Roast the lamb for about 20 to 25 minutes depending on how rare you’d like it. Then remove it from the oven and allow it to sit under tin foil for about 15 minutes before cutting and serving. You can grab Garten’s full recipe for her Rack of Lamb here.
And the Orzo with Roasted Vegetables couldn’t be easier, as well. Garten likes to roast diced eggplant, bell peppers, onion, and garlic, but you can tailor your veggies to best fit your mood. After the vegetables are done roasting, boil your orzo pasta. When the orzo is tender and strained, combine the pasta with the veggies (along with all the vegetable juices) and dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Allow everything to cool to room temperature before adding scallions, pignolis, feta, and basil.
Just like that, you have a delicious meal that’s perfect for pretty much any dinner party you want to throw. It looks complicated but it really only took you an hour or so to prepare, and wow is it delicious. Give Garten’s lamb and orzo menu a try and it might become your new go-to “Getting To Know You” menu, too!
Before you go, check out Garten’s best dinner recipes below:
