Introduction
Method
The Marinade
- For the best results it's best to marinade the steaks overnight for at least 12 hours. For this mix the pomegranate molasses, a splash of whisky, the ground nut oil, and pop in the broken clove of garlic, a few turns of black pepper and a pinch of the smoked salt.
- Splash over the steaks and leave covered in the fridge.
The Chips:
- For proper chips, take some good main crop potatoes such as Maris Piper or King Edward, depending on how hungry you are.
- Peel the spuds, and using the entire potato cut chip about 5 mm thick and rinse in cold water for a good 30 minutes or more. (no square chips please)
- In the mean time, prepare a steamer then drain the chips and steam until tender and fluffy, (usually about 16 minutes), keeping a close eye on them though as we don't want mash potato
- Lay the chips flat on a tray and leave to cool.
- For the final stage heat a deep pan half full of beef dripping or duck fat and heat to 185c. Place the chips in a frying basket making sure they have no excess moisture left on them and fry till golden brown and crunchy: Around about 6 or 7 minutes.
- Shake off any excess fat, and toss with salt flakes and eat straight away.
The Shallots
- My trick with shallots is to simply peel them, place in a tin foil bag with a spoonful of duck fat, a pinch of sea salt, and a sprig of thyme. Be sure to wrap the bag tightly.
- Next, bake in a hot oven at 185oc for 45 minutes or until tender and sweet then transfer to a non stick frying pan and caramelize for a few seconds before serving.
The Steaks
- When the shallots and chips are underway take the marinated steaks out of the chiller, and allow to come to room temperature.
- Next, remove the excess marinade from the steaks and sear over full heat turning two or three times, until charred or almost burnt and aromatic.
- This stage is vital as we want the steaks to be nice and rare on the inside, otherwise this cut will be dry and tough.
- Leave the steaks to rest, then slice them at a 45 degree angle with a knife as sharp as possible.
To Serve
- Serve on warm plates alongside the shallots and chips, with a big dab of English Mustard or a condiment of your choice.