Dinner And A Movie

This week we saw several movies. But The Soloist was at the top of the list. It stars Robert Downey Jr playing a reporter in LA down on his luck. Steve Lopez is looking for a story when he stumbles across Nathaniel Ayers played by Jamie Foxx. Nathaniel is a Julliard trained musician and living on the streets of L.A. homeless. I was intrigued by the fact that this was a true story. It makes you so grateful for what you have. I am sure the sound track would be perfect for a classical music lover. It is rated PG 13 and well worth the time.

We are not big red meat eaters at our house. I should clarify we love red meat and would eat it every meal if we could but we know that it is not healthy. So we use red meat as a treat about once a month we will have half a steak each. I found this great recipe in Bon Appetit and gave it a try. The man loved the extra spice in the sauce and he was pleasantly surprised by all the flavor. This recipe is so quick and easy. I made one change to the recipe I used a NewYork steak, instead of a rib eye. I don't think it would matter what kind of steak you use.

Pan-Seared Steak Pizzaiola

21/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
11/2 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
2 large garlic cloves, pressed
1 14-16 ounce can diced organic tomatoes in juice
2 16-ounce boneless rib-eye steaks, each about 3/4 inch thick

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon oregano and next 3 ingredients; stir 30 seconds. Add tomatoes with juice and bring to simmer, crushing with back of fork. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, sprinkle steaks on both sides with salt and pepper, ten crush 1/2 teaspoon oregano finely between fingertips and sprinkle over steaks. Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add rib eyes steaks. Saute until cooked to desired doneness, about 6 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Cut steaks into pieces and divide among 4 plates. Add sauce to skillet. Bring to simmer, scraping up browned bits; spoon sauce over steaks.