Italian Meat Recipes - Steak with Basil Sauce (Bistecca alla Salsa di Basilico) Recipe

Ingredients

• 450 g/1lb rump or fillet steak

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 100 g/4 oz shallots (or 1 onion), chopped

• 60 ml/4 tbsp water

• 350 g/12 oz courgettes (zucchini), trimmed and grated

• 15 ml/1 tbsp oil

• 15 ml/1 tbsp capers, drained and chopped

• 60 ml/4 tbsp chopped fresh basil

• 15 g/1 tbsp butter

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Method:

1. Cut the steak into two or three thick pieces. Remove any excess fat. Sprinkle with the freshly ground black pepper and leave aside.

2. Place the shallots in a saucepan with the water. Bring to the boil and cook until they are translucent and the water has reduced by half.

3. Stir in the courgettes and oil. Cover and cook over a low heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the courgettes are soft and pulpy.

4. Pass the vegetables through a sieve (strainer) or puree in a blender or food processor. Stir in the capers and basil and season with pepper.

5. Heat a frying pan (skillet) and sear the steak over a high heat for 30 seconds on each side.

6. Lower the heat and cook the meat for 8-10 minutes (for medium rare), turning once or twice. Cook for 3-4 minutes more on each side if you prefer the steak well done.

7. Reheat the basil sauce and stir in the butter. Cut the steak downwards and slanting into thin slices and spoon over the sauce.