PEPPER STEAK
This dish is a prime example of how a cooking technique—in this case, charring peppers over an open flame—adds fabulous flavor to a dish without one bit of fat, sugar, carbohydrate, or salt. Serves 4
12 Anaheim or Cubanelle peppers (Italian frying peppers)
Four 4-ounce portions lean beef tenderloin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
1 Vidalia onion, sliced thin
5 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1½ cups low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons cornstarch
½ cup Rocco’s How Low Can You Go Low-Fat Marinara Sauce or store-bought low-fat marinara sauce
½ cup fat-free evaporated milk
⅓ cup chopped fresh chives
1. Carefully place 3 peppers on the grate of each of the 4 burners of a gas stove. Turn the heat to high and char the peppers, rotating them to cook them evenly, until the skins are mostly burnt, about 6 minutes (this can also be done under the broiler). Place the peppers in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow the steam to build for about 7 minutes (to help steam off the skin). Using a paper towel, remove as much charred skin as possible. Pull off the stem end, including the core and seeds. Cut the peppers into ½-inch-thick rings.
2. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with salt and pepper. When the skillet is hot, spray it with cooking spray. Add the steaks and sauté until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer them to a platter, and cover it with foil to keep them warm.
3. Spray the skillet with more cooking spray, and add the sliced onion. Sauté until the onion start to become tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the vinegar, scraping up any flavorful bits with a wooden spoon.
4. In a small bowl, whisk the chicken broth into the cornstarch. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in the marinara sauce and the evaporated milk. Return the sauce to a simmer. Add the peppers and continue to simmer for 1 minute. Stir in the chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the sauce over the steaks, and serve.
