Roasted filet mignon with brandy and peppercorn sauce
4 Servings
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Beef filets mignons; 5 ounces each | |
| ¼ | teaspoon | Freshly cracked black peppercorns |
| ¼ | teaspoon | Freshly cracked white peppercorns |
| 2 | tablespoons | Extra-virgin olive oil; divided |
| 2 | tablespoons | Finely chopped shallots |
| ¼ | pounds | Mixed mushrooms |
| 2 | tablespoons | Balsamic vinegar |
| 1½ | cup | Beef stock |
| ¼ | cup | Brandy |
| 1 | tablespoon | Chopped fresh thyme leaves |
| ½ | cup | Evaporated skim milk |
| 1 | teaspoon | Cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water |
| Salt to taste | ||
| 1 | teaspoon | Green peppercorns |
| Rosemary sprigs for garnish | ||
Directions
Don't be afraid to add more peppercorns to this sauce. It makes the perfect complement to the tender beef. Feel free to sneak in some cream or butter to finish off the sauce.
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
2. Roll the filets in the cracked peppercorns. In a roasting pan or ovenproof frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and when hot, sear the filets on all sides until golden brown. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 7 to 8 minutes, turning the filets over after 3 to 4 minutes.
3. In the meantime, in a saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and when hot, add the shallots. When golden brown, add the mushrooms and vinegar. Let reduce until almost dry. Add the stock, brandy and thyme.
Let it reduce by half. For a smoother texture, strain through a fine sieve.
Add the evaporated milk and, just before it comes to a boil, add the cornstarch mixture. Adjust the seasoning with salt and the green peppercorns.
4. To serve, spoon 3 or 4 tablespoons of sauce on top of each filet.
Garnish with rosemary sprig.
>From Incredible Cuisine, by Jean-Pierre Brehier (Time-Life Books).
Posted to recipelu-digest by Sandy <sandysno@...> on Mar 06, 1998