Côtelettes d’Agneau à la Provençale (Lamb Cutlets with Herbes de Provence)

Lamb cutlets à la Provençale bring together the quick tenderness of small lamb chops with the sun-warmed flavours associated with southern French cooking: olive oil, garlic, herbes de Provence, ripe tomato and a bright finish of lemon. The cutlets are best served just-seared, with a golden crust and a rosy centre if preferred, while the tomatoes soften briefly in the same pan. A splash of dry white wine lifts the browned cooking juices into a light, aromatic sauce rather than a heavy gravy. It is a fast, elegant dinner that suits simple sides such as potatoes, rice, beans or a crisp green salad.
Cuisine style Provençal French home cooking
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Aromatic marinade: Garlic, olive oil and herbes de Provence season the lamb before it hits the pan, giving the cutlets a fragrant savoury base.
  • Bright pan sauce: Dry white wine lifts the browned pan juices, while lemon adds freshness to balance the richness of the lamb.
  • Fast cooking: Thin lamb cutlets need only a short marination and a quick sear, making the dish practical for a weeknight dinner.

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Timing notes

  • Short marination is enough: The cutlets are thin, so the brief room-temperature marination gives good flavour without slowing the recipe down.
  • Rest while making the sauce: Let the lamb sit for 3 to 5 minutes after searing while the tomatoes and pan sauce are finished.
  • Serve straight away: The cutlets are at their best while hot and juicy, with the light pan sauce spooned over just before serving.

Authenticity notes

  • Provençal flavour profile: Herbes de Provence, garlic, olive oil, tomato, wine and lemon create the light, sun-warmed character associated with Provençal cooking.
  • Simple pan sauce: Instead of a heavy sauce, the recipe uses browned pan juices, wine and citrus for a quick, aromatic finish.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose firm tomatoes: Ripe but firm tomatoes hold their shape in the pan and warm through without collapsing.
  • Check the herb blend: Herbes de Provence blends vary, so use one that smells fresh and balanced rather than dusty or overly woody.
  • Taste the sauce: Wine and lemons vary in sharpness, so taste the reduced pan sauce and adjust with salt, pepper or a little more citrus if needed.

Common mistakes

  • Do not overcrowd the pan: Give the cutlets space so they sear rather than steam; a crowded pan will make browning harder.
  • Use confident heat: The pan should be hot enough to brown the lamb quickly, but not so fierce that the garlic residue scorches.
  • Watch the cutlets closely: Lamb cutlets cook quickly, so remove them as soon as they reach your preferred doneness and let the resting time finish the texture.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Peel and finely grate the garlic into a bowl, then stir in the herbes de Provence, fine sea salt, black pepper and olive oil. Add the lamb chops and turn to coat well. Leave to marinate while you prepare the tomatoes, about 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Slice the tomatoes into thick rounds. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Lift the lamb from the marinade, letting any excess drip back into the bowl, and place the chops in the hot pan.
  3. Sear the lamb for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked to your liking. Transfer to a warm plate and rest while you finish the sauce. Keep the pan on the heat.
  4. Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until warmed through and lightly blistered. Move the tomatoes to the plate with the lamb. If the pan looks dry, add a small splash of olive oil from the bowl.
  5. Pour in the dry white wine and scrape up the browned bits, simmering for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly reduced. Squeeze in the lemon juice, then taste and adjust with a pinch more fine sea salt and black pepper if needed. Spoon the pan sauce over the lamb and tomatoes and serve straight away.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best sear, let the pan get properly hot before adding the lamb, and avoid moving the chops for the first 2 minutes so they brown evenly.
  • If you prefer medium lamb, aim for a rosy centre and rest the chops for 3 to 5 minutes so the juices settle before serving.

Substitutions

  • Replace Dry White Wine with Dry Sherry for a slightly richer, nuttier pan sauce.
  • Replace Lemon with Lime for a sharper, more aromatic finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool leftovers quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a frying pan over low heat with a splash of water until piping hot, taking care not to overcook the lamb.

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Côtelettes d’Agneau à la Provençale (Lamb Cutlets with Herbes de Provence)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 25min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: French
Beginner friendly One pot

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