(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
Steak and salad to the next level, actually the chickpea salad takes the leading role in this new and refreshingly delicious recipe.
Featuring a bold cilantro pesto sauce, chickpeas take a whole new interesting flavor. The smokiness of the grilled steak adds to the dish perfectly.
Finally, to pair this dish nicely, only a slightly earthy, yet fruit-forward Cabaret Franc will do.
Let‘s get cooking!
Menu: Grilled steak with chickpea salad and cilantro pesto.
Wine pairing: 2020 Alta Vista - Estate
Cabernet Franc (Mendoza, Argentina)
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs of hanger steak
Sea salt & cracked pepper
Extra Virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro (about 1 large bunch)
1 small clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese
Directions
Preheat a grill to medium high. Season the steak with salt and pepper and rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil. Grill the steak 6 to 8 minutes per side (125 degrees F internal temperature for medium-rare or 130 for medium). Transfer to a cutting board to rest, about 10 minutes. Cut against the grain for 1 inch thick pieces.
Meanwhile, make the pesto: In a blender, puree 4 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, the cilantro, garlic, paprika, 3 tablespoons water and 1/2 teaspoon salt, until smooth.
Toss the chickpeas, the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of the pesto in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper.
Serve it up!
On individual plates, arrange a few slices of steak in the center of the plate, overlapping each other. Next, spoon a generous amount of chickpea salad next to the steak and sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top of salad.
If you have extra pesto sauce, dot some along the plate as a decorative garnish.
Buon apetito! Enjoy!
(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
About the wine...
2020 Alta Vista - Estate Cabernet Franc (Mendoza, Argentina)
(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento)
Alta Vista’s 516 acres of estate vineyards are situated in the best terroirs of Mendoza, at a minimum of 3,200 feet above sea level.
Each vineyard receives expert treatment tailored to each individual grape variety via specific methods called Terroir Management®.
The wine undergoes long pre- and post-fermentation macerations, to extract optimal aromas and color, and to enhance the volume and quality of the tannins.
Tasting notes: Aromas of red cherry and plaum, fresh thyme and rosemary, and faint hints of pepper. Structured and firm, with supple fruit and refreshing acidity.
Grapes:
100% Cabernet Franc
Food pairing: Beautiful wine that pairs nicely with grilled meats and all types of vegetable-based dishes.
Accolades:
88 Points
Wine Enthusiast
2020 Vintage
91 Points
Wine Advocate
2020 Vintage
For more information, visit:
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Special thanks to my friends at Kobrand Wine and Spirits for this outstanding wine pairing collaboration.
(Photo by Flor Saurina)