A cilantro and jalapeño paste added verdant flavor and subtle spice to black beans and rice as well as a creamy avocado sauce.
Ancho-Rubbed Flank Steak and Cilantro Rice With Avocado Sauce
Serves 4- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed
- 1 (2-pound) flank steak, trimmed and cut into 4 equal steaks
- 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
- 2 teaspoons table salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves and stems, chopped coarse
- 1/4 cup jarred sliced jalapeño chiles
- 1 teaspoon grated lime zest plus 2 tablespoons juice
- 1 avocado, halved, pitted, and chopped coarse
Rub steaks with chile powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Cook steaks until well browned and meat registers 125 degrees F (for medium-rare), 4 to 7 minutes per side. Transfer to a carving board, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
Pulse cilantro, jalapeños, lime zest, and juice, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a food processor until finely chopped, about 10 pulses, scraping down bowl as needed. Transfer 2 tablespoons cilantro mixture to rice and stir to combine. Add avocado and 1/2 cup water to the processor and process until smooth, about 30 seconds. Slice steaks and serve, drizzling with sauce.
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