Portuguese Steak

This is a very popular recipe in this area where the population is mostly of Portuguese decent. A gal I work with, who is from the Azores gave me this one.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4  steaks, 1/2 inch thick (sirloin or rib eye work very well)
• 8  sliced garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
• 1  tablespoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1  tablespoon  chopped parsley
• 1  bay leaf, crumbled
• 1  cup red wine
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
• 4  eggs (optional)
• 1  marinated  roasted red pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Mash the garlic with the salt. Mix in the pepper,parsley, and bay leaf,forming a paste. Season the steaks on both sides with the paste.place in a deep sided dish.
2. Slowly pour the wine over the meat and marinate at least 2 hours(better overnight).
3. Reserving the marinade remove steaks . Heat the butter and oil in large skillet over med-high heat. Fry the steaks 3 minutes each side.Remove to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
4. Add the reserved marinade to the hot pan and deglaze the browned bits . Remove from heat and quickly whisk in the cream. Place over med-low heat. Return the steaks to the pan and cook about three minutes. Sauce will thicken.
5. While the steaks are cooking fry the eggs in a separate pan.
6. Plate the steaks placing a fried egg on top of each, followed by a red pepper. Pool some sauce around the steak and serve with fried potatoes.
7. A traditional Portuguese meal.