For Valentine’s Day I planned a special meal for my boyfriend and myself. I decided to make a meal my mom made a lot growing up because it was one of my Dad’s favorites. It’s called Steak Italiano, but I call it Italian steak and I made it with spaghetti and a homemade sauce (also my mom’s recipe). I was pretty proud of the end results, although the meat was a little touch because I cut the meat wrong (yes I do make mistakes!) I cut the London broil in slices horizontally when I was supposed to cut it diagonally. With London broil you need to be careful of how you cut it because it is such a touch cut of meat. So make sure you cut it on the diagonal!
Steak Italiano
1 (2-3 pound) London broil or top round steak
¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil
5 or 6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
1 can (16 ounces) crushed tomatoes
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon oregano
Adolph’s Meat Tenderizer
Directions:
Tenderize meat with Adolph’s and garlic powder ( I did this for 3-4 hours before I started making it, but you could try tenderizing it even longer.)
In a large skillet, sauté garlic, pepper and basil in olive oil until tender. In the same pan, turn heat up to high and sear meat for 45 seconds on each side. Remove meat and place in glass baking dish. Set aside. Preheat oven to broil (place rack in center of the oven.)
Lower the same pan to low heat. Stir in tomatoes and half the Parmesan cheese. Add oregano and black pepper to taste. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour sauce mixture and remainder of cheese on the steak. Broil for 20 to 30 minutes , or until desired wellness is achieved. Do Not turn. Cut into ½ inch slices (DIAGONAL!) and serve with favorite pasta.
Mom ‘s Quick Tomato Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-2 cloves minced garlic
1 small onion, chopped
1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 15oz. Tomato sauce
½ tsp. Oregano
¼ tsp. Pepper
½ tsp. Parsley
¼ cup red wine
Directions:
Sauté garlic and onion with olive oil until golden. Add remaining ingredients. Blend thoroughly. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring often.
Enjoy!
-K
