1. Coarsely grind the black pepper in a minichopper. Add the garlic, salt, and olive oil, and puree.

2. Rub the lamb, front and back, with the black-pepper paste. Let sit at room temperature for at least 45 minutes.

3. Heat oven to 500 degrees.

4. In a heavy saute pan slightly bigger than the rack of lamb, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until smoking. Saute the lamb, back side of the ribs facing up, until almost blackened. Turn gently, being careful not to break the pepper paste, and saute on back side for 30 seconds. Put the pan in the oven, and roast for 8 (rare) to 12 (medium well) minutes. When done, remove from the pan and let rest in a warm place for at least 5 minutes.