Ingredients

  • 5 thyme sprigs
  • 5 oregano sprigs
  • 10 parsley sprigs
  • 10 cilantro sprigs
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 12 double-cut (2 ribs) baby lamb rib chops (about 10 ounces per serving)
  • Salt
  • pepper
  • 5 guajillo chilies
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 whole plum tomato
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 clove garlic, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeno, stemmed, seeded, and finely diced
  • 2 15- to 16-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • Salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Method

  • For the lamb: In a food processor, pulse thyme, oregano, parsley, cilantro and garlic cloves until finely chopped.
  • Transfer to a large bowl, and whisk in wine and olive oil.
  • Add chops and turn until thoroughly coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • For the sauce: Place a cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Place chilies in pan and turn until they are puffed and toasted; do not allow to burn or they will be bitter.
  • Transfer to a medium saucepan.
  • Toss 3 garlic cloves in skillet until lightly charred on all sides, then add to saucepan.
  • Add onion to skillet, again toss until lightly charred, then add to saucepan.
  • Add whole tomato to skillet, char until skin blisters and add to saucepan, along with stock.
  • Bring to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes and allow to cool for 20 minutes.
  • Pour sauce through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, reserving solids.
  • Remove chilies from strainer and discard any stems and seeds they contain.
  • Place peppers in a food processor or blender with the rest of the reserved solids.
  • Puree, adding just enough liquid to make a thick paste.
  • In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil until sizzling, then add chili paste.
  • Stir for 1 minute, then gradually add reserved liquid (watch out for spattering) until it forms a thin sauce.
  • Simmer 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • For the beans: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil until shimmering.
  • Add red onion, garlic and jalapeno, and saute until lightly browned.
  • Add beans and toss until heated through.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover and keep warm.
  • To finish and serve: Prepare a grill or place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Remove chops from marinade, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook on each side until medium-rare.
  • Spoon sauce in a large circle on each of four plates, top with a serving of beans and arrange chops around the beans.