Pepper Steak and Grilled Zucchini Tartine

, from Issue #58, page 69. September, 2015
Photography by Manja Wachsmuth.
Pepper Steak and Grilled Zucchini Tartine

This smoky, nutty dressing would happily dress other vegetable or potato salads, as well as pork or chicken.

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

4 x 150 gram sirloin steaks
4 medium zucchini, sliced ½cm lengthways
olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Hazelnut and smoked paprika dressing
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ cup currants
2 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ teaspoon chilli flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ roasted red capsicum, sliced thinly
¼ cup roughly chopped roasted hazelnuts 
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

To serve
4 slices sourdough bread, grilled
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
handful salad leaves

METHOD

Dressing: Put the vinegar, paprika, currants, garlic and chilli flakes in a small saucepan and warm over a low heat for 2-3 minutes until the currants have softened a little. Tip into a bowl and stir in the olive oil, capsicum and hazelnuts. Season and set aside. 

Steaks: Lightly oil both sides of the steaks and season with salt and a really generous grinding of black pepper. 

Season the zucchini.

Heat a ridged grill, sauté pan or barbecue and cook the zucchini until just tender. Transfer to a plate. Cook the steaks for 3 minutes each side or until done to your liking. Transfer to a plate and rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.

To serve: Spread the grilled bread with mayonnaise then top with salad leaves and a pile of sliced steak. Add the parsley to the dressing and spoon over the top.