Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Balsamic Beef Salad

Yield: makes 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Ingredients

For the dressing

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, pressed
  • 2 tbsp chopped basil
  • 2 tsp chopped oregano or marjoram
  • 1½ tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp whole grain mustard

  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 small red bell peppers
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 small red onions, cut into wedges
  • 6oz (175g) cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1lb 5oz (600g) beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied
  • 6oz (165g) mesclun

Directions

1. To prepare the dressing, process the ingredients in a blender. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Preheat the broiler. Broil the peppers, turning from time to time, until blackened on all sides. Let cool until handleable. Remove the blackened skin, seeds, and ribs. Cut the peppers into thick strips.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the onions on a rimmed baking sheet, toss with 1 tbsp of the oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes, drizzle with 1 tbsp more oil, and the vinegar. Roast for 10 minutes more, until the onions are tender. Let cool.

4. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Heat remaining 4 tbsp oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the beef and cook, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes, until browned on all sides. Transfer to a roasting pan. Roast about 20 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 130°F (55°C) for medium-rare meat. Transfer to a carving board. Let cool, and thinly slice the beef.

5. Toss the mesclun with ¼ cup of dressing. Add the beef, red pepper, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Serve with extra dressing on the side.

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