LAMB CHOPS MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE

Steps:

• Sprinkle the chops with salt and pepper.
• Heat the oil in a heavy skillet large enough to hold the chops in one layer. Add the chops and cook over medium heat until browned on one side, about 5 minutes. Turn, sprinkle with the thyme, and cook about 5 minutes more for rare, longer for medium or well done. Remove to a warm platter and keep warm.
• Pour off the fat from the skillet and add the eggplant and zucchini. Cook, stirring over high heat, until lightly wilted. Add the onions, garlic and cumin, and cook 2 minutes, stirring until wilted. Add the wine, tomatoes, bay leaf, olives and salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, and simmer for 5 minutes, adding any juices that have accumulated on the platter around the lamb chops. Continue cooking for 1 minute.
• Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle with the basil, and serve.