FROM IVAN SYGODA, FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF PENTACLE
“This homemade roast veggie starter phrase can dance off subsequently in several different directions. The key is to use a cast-iron skillet— versatility itself, happy under the broiler, in the oven (325° or thereabouts), or on top. Keep your oven mitts handy.”
SERVES:
2-4
PREP TIME:
15 MIN
TOTAL TIME:
30 MIN
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. chopped sirloin beef
salt
pepper
oregano
olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
pasta or couscous or farro or broad noodles
Veggie Base
Red bell peppers or orange and/or yellow. I don’t like green, but perhaps you do. Scoop out seeds. Cut in half crosswise, then julienne or cut into wedges.
Red onion(s). Vidalia or yellow would be fine, but I like the look of the red. Trim and peel. Cut in half crosswise, then julienne or cut and separate into wedges.
Mushrooms. Whatever kind you prefer, trimmed, sliced or halved or quartered. Note: These cut-up ingredients might be harmoniously sized; juliennes/slices versus wedges/chunks.
Scallions, cut into 1” pieces.
Optional: zucchini or squash, sliced into rounds.)
Veggie Base
Preheat broiler. Toss peppers and onions in some olive oil, grind in salt and pepper. I like to add some thyme, fresh or dried. Raid your spice rack for whatever else sounds good. Place under broiler flame. When peppers and onions have started to caramelize, add mushrooms, scallion and whatever else. Monitor progress. I like a bit of a char. You may like more or less. Remove skillet from broiler, empty veggies into a bowl, and, depending on which phrase follows, either turn broiler off or set temp to 325° (My gas broiler also fuels the oven).
Variation 1
Place emptied skillet on medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil if it isn’t still glistening. Season 1 lb. chopped sirloin with salt, pepper, oregano; flatten into skillet like a supersized hamburger, sauté 4 minutes or so on a side while breaking the meat apart with a wooden implement. Stir in broiled veggies to reheat and mix. Serve over pasta or couscous or farro or broad noodles.