Fresh Bay Butter Beans With Seared Steak

Fresh bay leaves are the secret ingredient in this rich and nourishing meal.

By Kate Morgan | Experience Life

Makes 2 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Steak

2 New York strip steaks, approximately 8 oz. each, preferably organic and grassfed
2 tsp. sea salt
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. ghee
3 tbs. grassfed butter
3 fresh bay leaves

For the Butter Beans

2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbs. minced garlic
1 dozen fresh bay leaves
2 tbs. diced roasted red pepper
1 15-oz. can butter beans, drained
⅓ cup chicken broth
½ tsp. sea salt
⅛ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Red-pepper flakes, to taste

Directions

For the Steak

STEP 1

Place a cast-iron pan over high heat.

STEP 2

While it’s heating, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. Salt and pepper the steaks on both sides.

STEP 3

Add the ghee to the hot pan, then place the steaks in the pan and sear for approximately four minutes, until they release easily.

STEP 4

Flip the steaks, then add the butter and bay leaves to the pan.

STEP 5

Tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the steaks with butter. Cook for another five to seven minutes, or until an inserted meat thermometer reads 150 degrees F.

STEP 6

Remove the steaks from the pan and allow to rest.

While the steaks are resting, make the beans:

STEP 1

Wipe out the cast-iron pan and discard the bay leaves, then place the pan over medium heat and add the oil.

STEP 2

Add the garlic and fresh bay leaves, and cook until fragrant and sizzling, approximately two minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

STEP 3

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover.

STEP 4

Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed, approximately seven to 10 minutes.

STEP 5

Remove the bay leaves and divide the beans between two plates. Slice each steak against the grain; arrange alongside the butter beans and drizzle with any accumulated juices.

Photographer: Terry Brennan; Food Stylist: Betsy Nelson

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