This 15-minute dinner is great for any weeknight or special night. The flavors of the Mediterranean have captured the imagination of travelers for centuries. Add a glass of red wine and you can understand why it is said the wars of the area were fought over olive groves and vineyards.
Couscous takes only 5 minutes to make. It's made from semolina flour and is, in fact, a form of pasta rather than what many people think is a grain. You just boil water, remove from heat, add the couscous, cover and let stand. In this case, I've added fresh mint and chopped tomatoes to add a fresh flavor that goes well with the steak.
Mediterranean Steak
3/4 pound strip steak
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Olive oil spray
1 tablespoon walnut pieces
8 sliced pimento-stuffed green olives
2 tablespoons capers
Salt and ground black pepper
Minted Couscous (recipe follows)
Trim fat from steak and sprinkle both sides with cayenne. Heat a small skillet on medium-high. Coat with olive oil spray. Brown steak 2 minutes per side. Sprinkle walnuts, olives and capers into skillet and over steak. Lower heat to medium and cook 2 minutes for medium-rare or to desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, place couscous on two dinner plates, carve steak and place on top. Spoon any pan juices over steak.
Makes 2 servings.
Minted Couscous
1 cup water
1/2 cup couscous
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper
Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and add couscous and tomatoes. Cover with a lid and let stand 5 minutes. When ready, fluff up with a fork. Add mint, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.
Makes 2 servings.
Food on 06/22/2016