Steak with Mushroom Sauce and Potatoes

Back in the kitchen again. Can you believe my friend let me cook in his kitchen. Not only that his mum let me use all the good pots and knives that even he isn't allowed to use. Todays dish was a delicious rump steak covered in mushroom sauce with roast potatoes.

The Potatoes

These take the longest to make. Wash potatoes first then boil until soft, like really soft to the point the skin peels. Put on a baking tray and drizzle with oil. Add a sprinkle of rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper and rub it in...thats right, get those hands dirty and let it bake until it starts to crisp.

The Steak

Need a hot pan and add oil. It doesn't need oil, but we need that for later ;) Test with a chop stick for the sizzle...then add the steak. Let the blood rise to the top, turn it over and wait for it to reach a firm consistency. Take the steak off and place on a plate for a minute. Watch out for the oil! After one minute place back in the pan and sprinkle a dash of rosemary over the top and wait for your preferred style. We went for a medium rare, so it wasn't on for long.

The Sauce

Using the residue from the steak, add a diced onion. I got shown a technique to ensure i have eight fingers and two thumbs after chopping, that is to pinch with the tips of your fingers so they curl in. It worked for me, so I might keep it up. Mix in the onion until it browns. Add a decent amount of thick cream and stir through. Add as much sliced mushroom as you can fit in the pan and let simmer with occasional stirring.

The Review

This was a fun dish to make. Using the juices from the steak really made the sauce. Rosemary and thyme made a huge difference. The potatoes were fantastic. I wondered if I could use the base of the mushroom sauce for another sauce. You would only need to change the last ingredient. Any suggestions?

I want to make steak a signature dish of mine. With so many cuts and sauces I will have my hands full, my tummy too =P

If anyone has any suggestions, recipes or wants to experience "Cooking with Wayne" let me know.

Lessons of the day:

Use a sharp knife to slice onions in order to stop bruising and the tears
Watch a pot of boiling water, evaporation can be very quick
Adding herbs and spices make an ordinary meal great
Let steak breath

Moto of the day:
Fresh is best