Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　15 min

　　

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

　　1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

　　3 (3/4- to 1-inch-thick) rib lamb chops (1 lb total), bones frenched if desired and fat trimmed

　　1 tablespoon vegetable oil

　　1 medium shallot, finely chopped

　　1/2 cup chicken broth

　　1 tablespoon Cognac or balsamic vinegar

　　1 teaspoon unsalted butter

　　

Step 1

Coarsely crush peppercorns with a mortar and pestle or wrap in a kitchen towel and press on peppercorns with bottom of a heavy skillet.

　　

Step 2

Pat chops dry and season with salt. Rub one side of each chop with peppercorns, pressing peppercorns into meat to adhere.

　　

Step 3

Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook chops, peppered sides up, 2 minutes. Turn chops over with tongs and cook, pressing down on each chop with side of tongs to help pepper adhere to meat, about 2 minutes more (for medium-rare). Transfer chops with tongs to a plate and let stand while making sauce.

　　

Step 4

Pour off all but 2 teaspoons of fat from skillet if necessary, then sauté shallot, stirring, until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Add broth and Cognac and boil until reduced to about 1/4 cup, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and swirl in butter. Add any meat juices that have accumulated on plate and season with salt. Serve sauce over lamb.