Lamb Chops with Soffrito

Make the soffrito:

1. Grate tomatoes cut side into a mixing bowl; discard skins. Use a strainer to separate pulp from liquid. Set aside pulp and discard liquid.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic, and salt. Stir occasionally until onions are soft and tender and turn a light brown, about 30 minutes.
3. Add strained tomato, bay leaf, and pimenton. Cook another 20-25 minutes, until tomato has broken down and deepened in color. Finish with sherry vinegar and additional salt to taste.

Make the lamb chops:

1. Season lamb chops with salt. Let sit for at least 1 hour before cooking (bringing them to room temperature).
2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a saucepan, combine cooked lady peas with a soffrito and bring to a simmer.
3. Toss the okra and zucchini with salt, freshly ground pepper, and olive oil and place on a sheet pan. Roast in oven until lightly charred, about 10 minutes.
4. Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat; add vegetable oil. Pat lamb dry, season with pepper, and add to pan. Sear until dark golden brown, lower heat to medium, and turn after about 3 to 4 minutes. Cook until medium-rare, about 4 minutes more. Remove chops and place on resting rack for 5 to 10 minutes and keep warm.
5. Serve lamb with okra, zucchini, and lady pea-soffrito mixture. Garnish with freshly torn basil.