Lamb Chops with an Olive-and-Herb Crust Recipe

• 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
• 6 large fresh sage leaves
• 2 cups crust-free French bread cubes (1-inch cubes)
• 1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed Spanish green olives
• 2 scallions, green parts only, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 (1-inch thick) lamb chops,

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F and arrange rack in the middle.
2. Put herbs in a food processor and add the bread cubes. Process until the mixture has the texture of fine crumbs. Transfer to a shallow bowl and wipe out the food processor.
3. Combine olives, scallions, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, vinegar, and pepper in the food processor. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms.
4. Cover each lamb chop on both sides with about 1 tablespoon of the olive paste. One at a time, press the coated chops into the breadcrumbs, covering both sides with a firm, even coating.
5. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chops, in batches or using two pans if necessary, and cook until they begin to turn color, about 2 minutes. Turn and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer to the oven and roast, turning once, for 8 to 9 minutes’ total cooking time for medium rare.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve.

Beverage pairing: 2004 Chateau de Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, France. This beautiful combination of flavors is very southern French, and the wine is a Syrah from just a little north in the upper Rhône. The wine is perfect because it greets all the flavors in the dish—lamb, olives, fresh herbs—and brings the flavors of blackberry and currants as well.