Steak A La Jardiniere Recipe

The recipe for Steak A La Jardiniere is a classic dish that combines tender steak with a medley of vegetables. This delightful dish has been enjoyed for many years and continues to be a popular choice among food enthusiasts.

The name "A La Jardiniere" is derived from the French term meaning "in the style of a gardener." This dish was traditionally prepared using seasonal vegetables that a gardener would have on hand, hence the inclusion of green peas, French beans, carrot, and turnip. It is a perfect way to showcase the flavors and textures of fresh vegetables while complementing the rich flavor of the steak.

One interesting fact about this recipe is that it is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. While the recipe calls for green peas and French beans, you can experiment with different vegetables depending on what is in season or what you have available in your pantry. Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus can give this dish a unique twist and enhance its overall flavor profile.

Now, let's dive into the recipe itself. To prepare Steak A La Jardiniere, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 pound of steak (cut into neat pieces)
- 1 gill (4 fluid ounces) of green peas
- 1 gill (4 fluid ounces) of French beans
- 1/2 ounce of flour
- 1 ounce of butter
- 1 carrot (cut into thin strips)
- 1 turnip (cut into thin strips)
- 1/2 pint of gravy
- Salt to taste

Begin by cutting the steak into neat pieces. In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the steak pieces and fry them quickly until they are browned on all sides. This step helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor of the steak. Once browned, remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, add the flour and stir until it becomes smooth. Gradually pour in the gravy, stirring continuously until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. This creates a flavorful gravy that will coat the steak and vegetables.

Next, return the steak to the pan and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the steak gently for three hours, allowing it to become tender and infused with the flavors of the gravy. After two hours of cooking, add the carrot and turnip strips to the pan. These vegetables will add a delightful crunch and a burst of color to the dish.

While the steak is simmering, prepare the green peas and French beans separately by boiling them until they are tender yet still have a slight bite to them. This ensures that they retain their vibrant color and maintain their texture.

Five minutes before serving, add the boiled green peas and French beans to the pan with the steak and vegetables. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the vegetables are heated through.

To serve Steak A La Jardiniere, arrange the steak on a hot dish and place the cooked vegetables around it. Finally, pour the flavorful gravy over the steak and vegetables, allowing it to coat the dish and enhance its overall taste.

This stunning dish is best enjoyed with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. The combination of the tender steak, flavorful vegetables, and rich gravy creates a satisfying and delicious meal.

If you are looking for similar recipe ideas, you might want to explore other dishes that showcase the combination of meat and vegetables. One popular option is Beef Stir-Fry, which utilizes a variety of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, along with thinly sliced beef. Another fantastic choice is Shepherd's Pie, which layers sautéed ground meat (traditionally lamb) with a mixture of vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and corn, topped with a generous serving of mashed potatoes.

In summary, Steak A La Jardiniere is a timeless dish that brings together the richness of steak with the freshness and vibrancy of vegetables. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different vegetables, making each preparation a unique culinary experience. Enjoy this delightful recipe and savor the delicious flavors it brings to your table.