Sunflower Seed-Crusted Lamb Loin

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Season the lamb with salt and pepper and brush lightly with the egg white. On a dinner plate, toss the sunflower seeds with the flour. Roll the lamb loins in the seeds until evenly and thoroughly coated.

2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet. Add the lamb and cook over moderately high heat, turning with a spatula, until the sunflower seed crust is browned all over, about 2 minutes. Transfer the lamb to a baking sheet and roast for about 7 minutes for medium rare. Carve each loin into 12 slices.

3. Arrange 3 lamb medallions on each of 8 warmed dinner plates. Drizzle some of the Lavender Balsamic Vinaigrette around the lamb and serve at once.

Suggested Pairing

This strongly flavored dish begs for a concentrated, earthy wine with an aroma of dried violet: such as, a Merlot from Washington, California Zinfandel or a red from the southern Rhône Valley.