Geoffrey Zakarians Food

DRY RUBBED HANGER STEAK WITH SMOKY AIOLI AND CHARRED PEPPERS

Steps:

• For the steak: Place the steaks on a parchment-lined sheet pan. In a small bowl, mix the mustard powder, paprika, salt, chili powder and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture all over the steaks. Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours.
• Make the charred peppers: Heat a large braiser or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until searing hot. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the baby bell sweet and shishito peppers with the olive oil, habaneros, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Add the pepper mixture to the braiser and lower the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until charred in spots and tender but still with some bite, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Make the vinaigrette: While the peppers are cooking, in a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, pickled peppers, vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Once the charred pepper mixture is cooked, add them to the vinaigrette along with the quartered pickled peppers. Toss to coat well and set aside.
• Make the aioli: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, pepper brine, cherry peppers, paprika, garlic and salt to taste. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Cook the steaks: Preheat a grill pan or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks on the grill pan or grill, flipping only once, for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until an instant-read thermometer registers between 120 to 125 degrees F. Allow the meat to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Slice the meat against the grain to ensure tenderness. Sprinkle with the basil, chives and thyme. Serve with the charred peppers and smoky oli.

SAVORY LAMB SLIDERS

Steps:

• Form the lamb sliders: In a large bowl, add the lamb, shallots, mint, parsley, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika and garlic. Gently combine, making sure not to overmix. Divide the mixture into 9 equal portions. Using a ring mold about 3 inches in diameter, press each portion into the mold to form a slider, or just form the patties with your hands. Transfer the patties to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the patties for about 30 minutes.
• Make the tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, dill, mint, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Refrigerate until serving time.
• Cook the lamb sliders: Heat a grill pan or grill to high heat and cook the slider patties, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the patties, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and continue to grill until cooked through (130 to 135 degrees F), another 2 to 3 minutes.
• To serve: Top the bun bottoms with lettuce, tzatziki and feta. Top the bun tops with the tzatziki and Pickled Onions. Place the slider patties on the bun bottoms. Place the tops of the buns on the sliders and serve.
• Combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, pickling spice and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add the onions to the pan and stir to combine. Bring back to a simmer, then turn off the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Transfer to a resealable container and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 weeks.

PASTA POMODORO FOR TWO

Steps:

• Puree the tomatoes using an immersion blender or food processor. Set aside.
• In a saucepot over medium heat, combine the olive oil, pepper flakes and garlic. Gently toast the garlic until golden brown, being careful not to burn it. Add the tomatoes and bring to a simmer; simmer 5 to 8 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Add the pasta to the pot with the sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and cook until thickened, about 3 minutes. Add the butter, half of both cheeses and half of the basil and cook, tossing frequently, until the pasta is nicely coated. Season with salt if necessary.
• Transfer to a serving bowl, top with the remaining cheese and basil and drizzle with olive oil.