Steak, Chips & Nutbourne Tomatoes
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This recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and classic techniques, combining juicy rump steak, a vibrant Nutbourne tomato salad, crispy skin-on fries, and a rich, velvety Béarnaise sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a refined weekend meal, this dish balances hearty and fresh elements to create a satisfying dining experience for four.
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
For the Rump Steak
• 4 x 300g rump steaks
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 30g unsalted butter
For the Nutbourne Tomato Salad
• 500g mixed Nutbourne tomatoes (e.g., cherry, heirloom), halved or sliced
• 1 small shallot, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp elderflower vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh herbs (e.g., basil, chervil, or wood sorrel), to garnish
For the Skin-On Fries
• 600g Agria potatoes (or any good chipper) skin on
• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• Sea salt
For the Béarnaise Sauce
• 100ml white wine vinegar
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tsp white peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 sprigs fresh tarragon (leaves chopped, stalks reserved)
• 3 egg yolks
• 200g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Sea salt
Method
1. Prepare the Skin-On Fries
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Cut the potatoes into thick fries, leaving the skin on.
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Wash in water to remove all the starch, the water will run clear.
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Then place washed potatoes in a large pan of cold water and bring to the simmer
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simmer for 5 mins the edge is soft, do not boil them.
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Drain carefully and allow to cool.
Fry once at 140c and then fry again at 180c when ready to serve.
2. Make the Béarnaise Sauce
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In a saucepan, combine white wine vinegar, chopped shallot, white peppercorns, bay leaf, thyme, and tarragon stalks.
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Bring to a simmer and reduce until about 2 tablespoons of liquid remain. Strain and set aside to cool.
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Place the egg yolks in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (bain-marie).
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Add 1½ tablespoons of the reduced vinegar mixture to the yolks and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens and doubles in volume.
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Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking, ensuring the sauce emulsifies.
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Stir in the chopped tarragon leaves and lemon juice. Season with sea salt to taste.
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Keep the sauce warm until serving.
3. Prepare the Nutbourne Tomato Salad
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In a bowl, combine the halved or sliced tomatoes and finely sliced shallot
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Drizzle with elderflower vinegar and rapeseed oil.
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Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Gently toss to combine and garnish with fresh herbs then allow them to all come up to room temperature.
4. Cook the Rump Steaks
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Bring the steaks to room temperature and season both sides with sea salt.
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Heat rapeseed oil in a heavy-based frying pan over high heat.
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Add the steaks and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting time for desired doneness.
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In the last minute of cooking, add butter, thyme sprigs, and crushed garlic to the pan. Baste the steaks with the melted butter.
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Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes.
5. Assemble the Dish
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Place a portion of the Nutbourne tomato salad on each plate.
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Add a serving of skin-on fries alongside.
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Slice the rested rump steak and arrange on the plate.
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Spoon the warm Béarnaise sauce over the steak or serve it on the side.