Victor Albisu, chef de cuisine of BLT Steak, gives an American steakhouse classic a Cuban twist with black beans. Adding an optional fried egg makes the dish 'a caballo' - on horseback.

Serves 1
 
1 16-ounce New York Strip Steak
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
3 Piquillo chilli peppers
2 cloves garlic
2 limes
2 tablespoons adobo (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or pork lard
Cilantro chopped and whole for garnish
1 hen egg if you want it 'a caballo' (or on horseback)

Heat extra virgin olive oil or lard in a skillet. Season the steak well with adobo, salt and pepper and drizzle with lime juice. Rub the steak well.

When the olive oil is hot add the steak to the pan and sear for about two minutes. Turn the steak over in the pan and add sliced garlic and onion. Season with salt and pepper and do not allow it to caramelize completely.  

Once the onion has cooked two minutes add chopped cilantro and lime juice.

Remove the steak and drape with the onion mixture. Garnish with fried egg and cilantro sprigs. Serve with black beans, white rice and plantains alongside.
 

Cuban Black Beans
 
Serves 4 - 6

2 cups black beans (dried or canned)
1 diced yellow onion, peeled and diced
1 green/red bell pepper, deseeded and diced
6 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon cumin
1 bay leaf
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or pork lard

If using raw black beans (recommended) soak them in cold water for at least an hour before cooking to soften. Rinse and discard any broken pieces or floaters.

Place the black beans in a pot with three times as much water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and allow them to cook until soft, approximately 2 hours.

While the black beans simmer, make the sofrito. Heat olive oil or lard and add 3 of the garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped, the onion and pepper. Allow to cook until well incorporated.

Add the black beans to the sofrito and allow to simmer together for an additional half hour. Before serving, add the remaining garlic and chopped cilantro.

BLT Steak is located at 1625 I St NW, 202 689 8999. Main courses cost from $29 to $45. 

Related Information...