Pan-Roasted Lamb Chops with Mashed Potato Cake

SERVINGS: 4

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 pounds plum tomatoes—peeled, quartered lengthwise and seeded
1/2 cup small green olives, such as Picholine, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup brine-cured black olives, such as Gaeta, pitted and chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Eight 6-ounce bone-in lamb loin chops
Mashed Potato Cake

Preheat the oven to 200°. Spread the olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle with the thyme and a large pinch each of salt and pepper. Arrange the tomatoes on the sheet in a single layer and bake for 2 hours, or until slightly dried and firm. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the olives, garlic, lemon zest and basil.
Raise the oven temperature to 450°. In 2 heavy-bottomed ovenproof skillets, heat the vegetable oil until almost smoking. Season the chops with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until well browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn the chops and cook for 1 minute. Transfer the skillets to the oven and roast for about 6 minutes for medium rare. Set the lamb on plates and serve with the tomato relish and a wedge of Mashed Potato Cake.

Suggested Pairing

The assertive combination of lamb and the olive and tomato relish needs a robust red that can stand up to and complement those strong flavors. Look for one from Spain or California that is full bodied, supple, yet complex and spicy, with a slight black olive note in the background.

Pan-Roasted Lamb Chops with Mashed Potato Cake

Suggested Pairing

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