What to Serve with Dinner

One of Dallas and my favorite vegetables is broccoli rabe and is the vegetable pictured with the flank steak. I probably make it at least once a week either as a standalone vegetable or incorporated into another dish.



Broccoli Rabe

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 bunch broccoli rabe, coarsely chopped to about 1 inch pieces
1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
12 kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter , to finish
1/8 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese


1. Prepare the ingredients -- Wash and then chop the broccoli rabe into about 1 inch pieces and finely mince the garlic.

2. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet - add the chopped broccoli rabe and saute for about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red hot pepper flakes. Continue to saute for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until the broccoli rabe is tender. If the broccoli rabe gets too dry add additional chicken broth.

3. Add the kalamata olives and butter. As soon as the the butter is melted add the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and stir until it melts into the broccoli rabe.


Servings: 4
Notes: Tip: You can use pitted Kalamata Olives for the recipe.

Time for an Old Standard

Sorry to be so slow in posting a new recipe - I'll try to post more frequently! Today's recipe is extremely simple and one of my favorites. I've been making this since I first moved to New York into my own apartment. You can prepare this on the spur of the moment, since it only needs to marinade a minimum of 20 minutes, of course longer is better, and then you simply broil it in the oven! Usually I serve this with a simple salad and some kind of potatoes - a gratin works nicely, but a simple baked potato is equally good!

Enjoy this on a night when you're rushed but want to sit down and ejoy a relaxed, elegant dinner!Pam

Julia Child's Flank Steak


The Marinade


3 tablespoons scallions or shallots, minced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon thyme
tabasco sauce, or pepper
juice of one half lemon
2 pounds flank steak




1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl to create a marinade.


2. Lay the flank steak flat in the bottom of your broiling pan and spread on half the marinade. Turn the steak and spread with the rest of the marinade. Cover with waxed paper, and leave for at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate for several hours or a day or two.


3. Broil the steak to medium rare - time will vary depending check after 6 minutes - turn after first 3 minutes. You can grill this if you prefer.





Source:
The French Chef Cookbook, Julia Child