Filet Mignon with a Black Garlic, Cabernet, and Port Wine Reduction
Black garlic[1] is the latest in a list of exotic ingredients hitting high-end retailers and restaurants. Black garlic, a product of warm temperature fermentation, is sweet like roasted garlic, only better. Mixed with shallots, black garlic is the perfect addition to our classic Zinfandel and Port wine sauce. Accompanied with mushrooms, I can think of few better ways to top a tender steak. Of course, this meal is ideal with a glass of our new Cabernet!
Ingredients- (2 servings)
2 – 6oz filets
1/3 C Occasio Cabernet Sauvignon
1/3 C Occasio OPPORTUNITY port wine
1/3 C Heavy Cream
2 small shallots
2 cloves black garlic, peeled and chopped
2 slices French Bread, sized to steaks
For Mushroom Topping
1 Tbs butter
1 Tbs olive oil
2 C chopped mushrooms
1 tsp fresh thyme
3 cloves finely chopped black garlic
I like to begin with preparing the sauce and mushrooms since they will be reheated right before serving. I prepare the steaks right before serving.
For the Cabernet Port Wine Reduction
Add the port and Cabernet wines to a saucepan, and bring to a simmer. Then add the shallots and black garlic. Reduce until only a quarter of the liquid remains. Then, set aside off of the heat.
For the Mushroom Topping
Add the butter and oil to a pan and sauté the shallots until tender. Then add the mushrooms, black garlic, and thyme and sauté until the desired doneness. Set aside.
For the steak
Everyone has their favorite way to cook a steak. I like to grill my steak for about 2 minutes on each side, and then finish in a warm (375) oven until the desired degree of doneness is reached. Then I remove the steaks and let them rest for ten minutes.
While resting, toast the bread rounds, and reheat the mushrooms and sauce. Add the cream to the port-wine reduction and heat through.
To serve, place a toasted round on the bottom of the plate. Place the steak on top and top with the mushroom mixture. Then layer the port-wine reduction over the top and serve.
[1] Black garlic is available at fine grocers like Draeger’s and Whole Foods, and can also be purchased online.
