Lamb Au Poivre

• whole black peppercorn↗1 teaspoon
• lamb chops, 1-inch thick, bones frenched if desired and fat trimmed↗3
• vegetable oil↗1 tablespoon
• medium shallot, finely chopped↗1
• chicken broth↗1⁄2 cup
• cognac or 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar↗1 tablespoon
• unsalted butter↗1 teaspoon

Step-by-step instructions

1. 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.

2. 2

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

3. 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.

4. 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.