Steak Bites with Chimichurri

Ingredients

• 2.5 red chilies (seeded; 2 to 3 chilies)
• 5 garlic cloves (for the chimichurri)
• 0.5 cup parsley
• 0.5 cup cilantro (optional)
• 3 scallions (green onions)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt (for the chimichurri)
• 1 tsp black pepper (for the chimichurri)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 0.25 cup red wine vinegar
• 0.5 cup olive oil
• 16 oz ribeye steak (or sirloin; cut into chunks)
• 2 tsp salt (for the steak)
• 1 tsp black pepper (for the steak)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for searing the steak)
• fresh rosemary (sprigs; optional for the steak)
• garlic cloves (optional for the steak)
• 2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and quartered)
• 2 garlic heads (roasted; optional)
• 0.25 cup butter (at room temperature; for the mash)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• salt and pepper (to taste for the mash)

Steps

1. 1

   Add all the chimichurri ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped. Cover and refrigerate.

2. 2

   If roasting garlic for the mashed potatoes: preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Cut the top off both heads of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast for 45 to 60 minutes, or until soft.

3. 3

   Peel and quarter the potatoes, place them in a large pot, and cover with water by about 1 inch (2.5 cm).

4. 4

   Bring the water to a boil and cook until a fork slides through the potatoes with almost no resistance, about 15 to 20 minutes.

5. 5

   Drain the potatoes and let them rest in the hot pot for 1 to 2 minutes to dry.

6. 6

   Mash the potatoes using a potato ricer or a masher. Heat the cream until warm (in a pot or microwave).

7. 7

   Squeeze the roasted garlic into the potatoes and add the butter. Gradually incorporate the cream, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. 8

   Cut the steak into large bite-sized chunks and season with salt and pepper.

9. 9

   Heat a large skillet over high heat with a splash of neutral oil. Once the skillet is very hot and smoking, add the steak (work in batches if necessary).

10. 10

    Cook until a deep crust forms, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.

11. 11

    Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter, rosemary, and garlic (if using), and baste the meat with the melted butter for about 1 minute.

Notes

Ribeye steak can be substituted with top sirloin. For the mashed potatoes, roasted garlic is optional but highly recommended for a deeper flavor.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• steak
• mashed potatoes
• chimichurri
• dinner
• high protein
• comfort food