Lamb Chops with Tomato-and-Potato Gratin

1. Heat the oven to 450 degrees F. Oil an 8-by-11 1/2-inch baking pan or similarly sized gratin dish. In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the tomatoes and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt.
2. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper, and the Parmesan. Spread half the tomato-and-onion mixture in the bottom of the baking dish; layer half the potatoes on top. Sprinkle half the Parmesan mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining tomatoes and onions, potatoes, and Parmesan. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, wipe out the frying pan and then heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in it over moderate heat. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper over the lamb chops. Cook until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chops from the pan.
4. Remove the baking dish from the oven and remove the aluminum foil. Put the lamb chops on top of the potatoes and return the dish to the oven. Cook until the meat and potatoes are just done, 10 to 12 minutes longer.

Yield: 4 servings