In the midst of my travels, I found myself in a quaint, bustling market nestled in the heart of South America, a place where the art of grilling is revered and flavors are as bold and diverse as the landscape itself. It was here that I discovered a dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of culinary adventure – Steak & Roasted Tomato Jam. The dish marries the rich, savory taste of perfectly seasoned steak with the sweet, deep complexity of roasted tomato jam, enhanced by a hint of creamy cheese to bind these vibrant flavors together. The steak, treated with an array of spices, offers a succulent, meaty texture, while the roasted tomato jam introduces a tangy sweetness that contrasts beautifully, creating a masterpiece of taste.
Inspired to bring this sensational blend of flavors to my own kitchen, I delved into the practice of perfecting the roast, the jam, and the delicate balance between the two, alongside the smooth richness of cream cheese which adds an additional layer of luxury. After several attempts, filled with anticipation and guided by the memories of that bustling market, I succeeded. Now, it is with a mix of pride and excitement that I share this Steak & Roasted Tomato Jam recipe with you, inviting you to relive my journey through each bite and to savor the warmth and complexity that this dish brings to any table.
Steak & Roasted Tomato Jam Recipe
Steak & Roasted Tomato Jam
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 shallow saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 16 slices French baguette
- 2 beef ribeye steaks
- 3/4 cup blue cheese
- 3 garlic cloves
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large sweet onion
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2 tablespoons oil, heated in a wide medium saucepan, sauté onion until tender.
- 1 tablespoon butter, 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt, and 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne toss tomatoes.
- Roast for 20 minutes, or until soft.
- Using a fork, gently mash the tomatoes into the onion.
- Combine sour cream, goat cheese, garlic, and the rest salt and black pepper in a shallow saucepan.
- Brush the remaining oil on the bread pieces and grill them, covered, over moderate flame until gently toasted, about 3 minutes on each side.
- Season steaks generously with steak spice.
- To serve, put grated cheddar cheese over toasts and top with meat and onions combination.
- Vinegar should be drizzled on top.
Cooking tips about Steak & Roasted Tomato Jam
- Selecting the Steak: The quality of your steak is paramount. Choose a cut like ribeye, flank, or sirloin for their balance of flavor and tenderness. Steak should be at room temperature before cooking to ensure even searing.
- Seasoning the Steak: Generously season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings to enhance its natural flavors. Allow it to sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Preparation of the Roasted Tomato Jam: For the jam, use ripe tomatoes for their optimal sweetness and roast them slowly with garlic, a touch of sugar, and olive oil. This process concentrates the flavors, transforming them into a rich, savory jam with a hint of sweetness and acidity.
- Cooking the Steak: Heat a pan or grill to high heat before adding the steak. Sear the steak on both sides until a crust forms, then lower the heat to medium-high and cook to your desired level of doneness. Letting the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist, tender bite.
- Blending Flavors: Incorporate some of the flavors from the steak seasoning into the tomato jam to create cohesion between the dish’s components. A pinch of the same herbs or spices can tie the two elements together beautifully.
- Cream Cheese Component: Soften the cream cheese to spreadable consistency, which can be used as a base layer on your serving plate or as a dollop on top of the steak. Its creamy texture and mild tanginess add a luxurious finish to the dish.
- Assembling the Dish: Slice the steak against the grain for tenderness and arrange it on the plate with a generous spoonful of the roasted tomato jam alongside or over the steak. The contrast of the warm, juicy steak with the cool, sweet, and tangy jam creates a delightful taste experience.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with fresh herbs such as basil or thyme for a burst of color and freshness. The herbs not only add a pop of color but also introduce a new layer of flavor that complements the richness of the steak and the depth of the tomato jam.
Serving suggestions about Steak & Roasted Tomato Jam
- Presentation: Serve the steak sliced thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness, with a generous spoonful of roasted tomato jam atop or beside each slice. Choose a warm plate to enhance the flavors and keep the dish at an optimal temperature for enjoying.
- Accompaniments: Pair the steak and jam with sides that complement its richness without overshadowing it. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, while roasted potatoes or a creamy polenta can absorb the delicious juices and balance the meal.
- Garnishes: To add a final touch of elegance, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme over the plated steak. These herbs not only introduce a pop of color but their freshness will enhance the savory steak and the sweetness of the tomato jam.
- Wine Pairing: Consider serving this dish with a glass of robust red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. The richness of the steak and the depth of the tomato jam pairs beautifully with wines that offer bold berry notes and a hint of spice, amplifying the overall dining experience.
- Bread on the Side: Offering slices of crusty, artisanal bread on the side allows diners to enjoy every last bit of the flavorful roasted tomato jam and the juices from the steak, ensuring a delightful culinary adventure from start to finish.
- Temperature Consideration: Serve the steak either hot off the grill or pan to capture the tender juiciness that contrasts so beautifully with the cool, rich texture of the tomato jam. The differential in temperatures adds an exciting complexity to each bite.
- Sauce Accompaniment: If looking to add even more dimension to the dish, consider a drizzle of balsamic reduction around the plate. Its sweet yet tangy flavor profile can echo the roasted tomato jam’s notes and elevate the steak’s savory character.
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