Bistecca all Pizzaiola (“Steak” with tomatoes and garlic)

A few years back my husband and I went to share a romantic dinner in a restaurant in Ocala, FL called Felix’s.  As you walk into the first floor of this beautiful old home, the lights are dimmed.  There is a very old world feel.  This place was one of those places that still served table side Banana’s Foster.  One of their specials that night was Bistecca all Pizzaiola. Bistecca all Pizzaiola is simply a really flavorful cut of steak with a chunky tomato and garlic sauce.  This recipe is inspired from that.  Chris and I made this last night.  Did not manage to get pics this time.  I just could not wait to dig in, and it surely did not disappoint.

Ingredients:

• Vegan Steak Strips
• Olive Oil (or grape seed oil)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 cans of tomatoes
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic Powder

Directions:

For the Pizzaiola:  Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat.  Remove from heat and add the cloves of garlic.  Cook for about 30 to 45 seconds.  You are infusing the olive oil with the garlic.  At this point you can opt to leave the garlic in or remove the garlic.  I choose to remove it because I love the flavor of garlic but not the texture.  Now add the tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper.  Return to medium heat and cook down for about 5 minutes.  Put pizzaiola in bowl in warming drawer.

In same skillet heat a little more olive oil to medium heat.  Add vegan steak strips.  Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  Brown steak strips.  This takes about 3 minutes.    Plate the steak strips with Pizzaiola drizzled on top.

This meal is really good served with Haricots Verts with Pizzaiola added on top of these French Style Green Beans and served with oven roasted Italian style potatoes.  See my other recipes.

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Haricots Verts (French Style Thin Fresh Green Beans)

In a pot of water with lid on boil fresh haricots verts for 3 minutes.

Remove from heat, drain, and serve.

Optional seasonings:

1. Pizzaiola Sauce (See my Bistecca Alla Pizzaiola Recipe) OR
2. lightly coat in Earth Balance (or vegan butter of your choice) and toss with some Outback Steakhouse Seasoning.  We keep an airtight container of Outback Steakhouse Seasoning already made up in with our spices.

Outback Steakhouse Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 2 teaspoons white pepper
• 2-3 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Mix together.  Keep in airtight container.

Oven Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients:

• Small Red Skinned or Golden Potatoes (washed and quartered; leave skins on)
• Olive Oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Touch of Cayenne Pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F,  In a large bowl, coat potatoes with olive oil and seasoning.  Toss potatoes until they are lightly coated all over.  Spread coated and seasoned potatoes out onto a baking sheet.  Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.

OR for Italian Style:

Ingredients:

• Small Red Skinned or Golden Potatoes (washed and quartered; leave skins on)
• Olive Oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Oregano

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F,  In a large bowl, coat potatoes with olive oil and seasoning.  Toss potatoes until they are lightly coated all over.  Spread coated and seasoned potatoes out onto a baking sheet.  Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.