Steak with onions and balsamic vinegar cooked to a sweet glaze is a perfect dinner. Linguine with fresh basil and tomatoes makes a colorful side dish.
Balsamic vinegar is made in Modena, Italy. To be sure you are buying good-quality vinegar, check the labels; grapes should be the only ingredient. Lesser-quality vinegars have brown sugar added. Top-quality balsamic vinegars are aged 25 to 50 years and are used drop by drop. Choose a medium-priced one for cooking.
Wine suggestion: Hearty steak with powerful balsamic vinegar is an occasion for a powerful Italian barolo.
Balsamic-Glazed Steak
-- Serves 2
3/4 pound skirt steak
olive-oil spray
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
salt and freshly ground pepper
Remove fat from meat. Spray a medium-size nonstick skillet with olive oil and heat over medium-high. Saute steak 3 minutes per side if thin, 4 minutes per side if thicker.
Remove to cutting board. Add the onion and vinegar to the skillet. Cook to a glaze, 3 to 4 minutes.
Meanwhile, slice the steak on a diagonal against the grain and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Divide it between 2 plates and spoon the glaze on top.
Per serving: 246 calories, 9 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 102 milligrams cholesterol, 36 grams protein, 5 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 96 milligrams sodium
Basil Linguine
-- Serves 2
4 ounces fresh linguine
1 medium tomato, diced (about 1 cup)
1 loosely packed cup fresh basil, torn into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook 2 minutes. Drain and place in a bowl. Add tomato, basil and olive oil. Toss well. Season to taste with salt and pepper and toss again.
Per serving: 324 calories, 8 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 11 grams protein, 53 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fiber, 16 milligrams sodium
Helpful hints
Any type of quick-cooking steak can be used.
Already-chopped fresh onion and tomato are available in the produce section of many supermarkets.
Dried linguine, cooked according to package instructions, can be substituted.