Spice-Dusted Lamb Chops with Cherry Tomatoes

Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. In a small bowl, combine all of the spices. Season the lamb chops with salt, rubbing it into the meat. Rub each chop all over with a scant teaspoon of the spice dust. Let the chops stand for 10 minutes.

Brush the chops all over with vegetable oil and grill over a medium-hot fire or in the grill pan over moderate heat, until crusty and medium rare, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer the chops to a platter and let rest for about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with the remaining spice dust. In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the cherry tomatoes, sprinkle with salt and cook over moderately high heat, tossing, until just hot, about 1 minute. Serve at once with the chops.

Variation Use the spice dust on grilled or broiled chicken or pork, or tossed with sautéed vegetables.