Recipe 5: Pan Seared Steak with Sweet Potato Fries

JOURNAL ENTRY: ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 25, 2001

"Rotorua is gorgeous! The scenery is just breathtaking. Everywhere we have been so far has been beautiful. We are staying in a hostel with an outdoor pool that is naturally heated by the earth! How crazy! We visited these geysers and sulfur heated springs. I can honestly say that I am just blown away.

Tonight we are off to a native tribal ceremony re-creation. It's in the middle of the forest and a show is put on to recreate how the aboriginal community used to welcome visitors to the area. They follow the welcoming with a traditional meal of steak and potatoes and roasted root vegetable that are all cooked underground in the heated earth! Sounds amazing and can't wait. I will fill you in as soon as I get back."

RECIPE 5: PAN SEARED STEAK WITH SWEET POTATO FRIES

(serves 2)

Pan Seared Steak and Sweet Potato Fries

photo: Ryan Szulc www.ryanszulc.ca

Food Stylist: Noah Witenoff - the Hostel Chef www.nustyling.com

What you need:

• 2 x 6 oz steaks
• 1 sweet potato
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  
• salt and pepper (depending on your taste)

RED WINE SAUCE:

• 1 teaspoon of chicken powder
• 1/4 coffee cup of water
  
• 1/4 coffee cup of red wine ( You're drinking it anyways...)
• 2 tablespoons of sugar

What you need to do:

• Preheat oven to 400°F or gas mark 6.
  
• Cut the sweet potato into thin french fries and place in a bowl.
• Mix the fries with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the red wine vinegar, and some salt and pepper.
  
• Transfer the fries to a baking dish or a non stick baking tray and place in the oven for 30-40 minutes.
• While the fries are cooking, take a non-stick pan (if possible) and heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil on med-high heat.
• Season your steaks with salt and pepper on both sides, and then place in pan.
• Cook for 4 minutes on each side and then place pan in oven for another 10 to 15 minutes (if your pan cannot go in the oven then place steaks in a baking dish).
• Remove from the oven using a glove, and allow to rest on plate.
• For the sauce: Mix the wine, water, and sugar in a pan and bring to a boil.
• Add the chicken powder and reduce the liquid until you have a sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
• Place steaks on a plate, drizzle sauce over top, and serve with sweet potato fries.

Hope you enjoy and keep in touch. Let me know how it goes!

The Hostel Chef