Mustard-Glazed Lamb Chops with White Beans and Celery

• Recipe by Bob Chambers

Marjoram gives these lamb chops a lightly floral flavor but you can also season them with fresh thyme or oregano.

Ingredients

1. 2 teaspoons dry mustard
2. Salt and freshly ground pepper
3. 4 loin lamb chops, cut 1 1/2 inches thick (about 2 pounds)
4. 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped marjoram
5. 5 tablespoons olive oil
6. 3 celery ribs, thinly sliced crosswise (1 cup)
7. 2 leeks, white parts only, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
8. One 14-ounce can cannellini beans, drained
9. 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
10. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. In a small bowl, mix the dry mustard with 3/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Season the lamb chops with the mustard mixture and the marjoram. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over the chops and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the celery and leeks and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the beans and the Dijon mustard and stir gently until heated through, about 2 minutes. Cover and keep warm.
3. In a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet, heat the oil. Add the lamb chops and cook over high heat, until well-browned, about 1 minute per side. Sear the fatty edge of the chops for 20 seconds.
4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chops for 8 minutes for medium rare, turning them once. Arrange the chops on a platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the beans alongside and serve.