Thursday, March 7, 2013

Cuban Dinner: Vaca Frita with Chimichurri


Crispy Beef and Chimichurri
(Vaca Frita con Chimichurri)

courtesy of the Cocina Cubana Club founded by Pascual Perez & chef Sonia Martinez





Served With

Malbec, Estate Grown, Red Mountain
Dale & Jean

Mendoza, Argentina
Doug & Peggy

Mark & Dorte



Ingredients

¼ cup coarsely chopped parsley
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 large garlic cloves, minced (2 1/2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons oregano leaves
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 ½ lbs flank steak, cut into 4 pieces
1 green bell pepper, cored and quartered
2 large onions – 1 halved, 1 thinly sliced
1 bay leaf
2 garlic cloves, smashed
Salt
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper

Directions
In a food processor, combine the parsley, vinegar, garlic, oregano and crushed red pepper. Process until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and pour the olive oil over the mixture. Let stand for at least 20 minutes.
In a large saucepan, combine the flank steak with the bell pepper, halved onion and bay leaf. Add enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat for 20 minutes. Transfer the flank steak to a work surface and let the steak cool. Strain the broth and reserve for another use (we used it for the Arroz Moro). Shred the meat and transfer it to a bowl.

Using the side of a large knife, mash the garlic to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir the paste into the meat, along with the lime juice, olive oil and sliced onion. Let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 1/2 hours.

Heat a large, flat griddle until very hot. Working in batches, spread the shredded beef on the griddle in a thin layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook over high heat, turning once or twice, until sizzling and crispy in spots, about 6 minutes per batch. Transfer to a platter and serve.

Notes

The chimichurri can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving. 

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