There are many different versions of this French bistro classic. The cream sauce on the steak offers a perfect balance to the heat of the pepper. I have found that the zucchini and tomato bake will work as a wonderful side dish for both meat and poultry. Pair this meal with your favorite glass of red wine, and enjoy a nice home cooked meal without the bistro prices. Bon Appetit!
Pepper Steaks
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Black Peppercorns
- 2 fillets about 8 ounces each
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
Instructions:
- Preheat the broiler.
- Place the black peppercorns into a Ziploc bag, and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Press the pepper into the meat on both sides.
- Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the meat, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, then transfer the steaks to a cookie sheet, and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. When done transfer to plates and cover to keep warm.
- Pour in the wine to deglaze the pan. Allow it to boil until it is reduced by half, scraping the brown bits off of the pan.
- Add the cream and garlic, and simmer for about 4 minutes.
- Stir the sauce, and then pour over the steaks.
Zucchini and Tomato Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 large white onion, sliced
- 3 -4 Tomatoes, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
- 3 -4 Zucchini, sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan Cheese
- Kosher salt and Freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 Degrees F. Add the oil to a saucepan over medium heat, and cook the garlic and onion for 15-20 minutes, until they are soft and golden in color.
- Spread them over the base of a 12 inch shallow baking dish.
- Meanwhile, slice your tomatoes and zucchini about ½” thick. If your tomatoes are large you can also cut them in half.
- Arrange the zucchini and tomatoes into rows over the onion in your baking dish.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, thyme, and cheese over the top.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and bake for about 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve warm.



