Chef-Dietitian Pam Smith shows us we can have it all -- flavor, nutrition and sustainability. Her Tamarind Glazed Australian Grass Fed Beef Tenderloin is the star, supported by an outstanding cast - Skillet Roasted Beech Mushrooms and a Spring Grain Salad of warm Farro, Asparagus, Sweet Corn and Kale in Citrus Sherry Vinaigrette. Wow!
Roasted Mushrooms
Smoky Shroom Seasoning
Citrus Sherry Vinaigrette
Miso Aioli
Method:
Toast farro in dry skillet over medium heat until toasty brown and fragrant. Add 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning, ½ cup of the roasted mushrooms, chicken or mushroom broth, onion, and garlic, and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Adjust the heat to a simmer and cook for 18-20 minutes until just tender but still al dente.
While farro is cooking, cut kernels from cobs of corn. Transfer the kernels to a large colander with a base to capture liquid, and set in sink.
Remove the pot from the heat and pour the farro and mushrooms over the corn, allowing any additional liquid to drain through the kernels, reserving warm broth to build dish. Drain well and let cool to room temperature.
When ready to serve, evenly season tenderloin with remaining Creole seasoning and Smokey Shroom seasoning. Heat a nonstick grill (or grill pan) to very high heat. Add meat and sear on both sides; brush with Tamarind Glaze. Place pan into a preheated 400º F oven till done; let rest.
To assemble the salad, combine the farro and corn mixture, blanched asparagus roasted pepper, massaged kale, dried cherries and nuts. Toss with Citrus Sherry Vinaigrette. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Spoon salad into cylinder in 4-6 bowls. Swoosh plate with Miso Aioli. Place meat against stack. Top with feta and microgreens.
Roasted Mushrooms
Place two baking sheet pans in oven and preheat the oven to 400º F.
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, mushrooms, and Creole seasoning. Spread in an even layer on the baking sheets. Bake on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown (and delicious!).
Smoky Shroom Seasoning
Blend together all ingredients in a bowl.
Citrus Sherry Vinaigrette
Whisk together the sherry vinegar, citrus juice, honey, Dijon mustard, creole seasoning, Citrus Spice blend (or zest, salt and pepper) and then drizzle in 1/3 cup olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Adjust seasoning and honey, to taste.
Chill until ready to use.
Miso Aioli
Whisk together ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.