Rosemary White Bean Mash with Steak

When naming a meal, it is somewhat unorthodox to lead in with what most people would consider the side, and follow it with the meat. But this is a side dish so delicious and easy that it deserves first billing. If I had been aware of this side dish when I was in college, I probably would have eaten it as a main course.

Sure, the steak is pretty great too. But in my opinion, the white bean mash seriously outshines it. So go ahead, heap the beans onto your plate and give yourself a small serving of steak. We had ours with lightly sauteed baby broccoli, cooked for only a minute or two so as to preserve its crunch. It felt like a real nuclear-family type meal, but with a modern twist, thanks to Nigella.

Rosemary White Bean Mash with Steak
adapted from Nigella Express
serves 2

INGREDIENTS:

1 teaspoon + 2 tablespoons EVOO
salt and pepper
1 medium-large sirloin steak (about 3/4 pound)
1 clove of garlic, minced or pressed
1 14 oz. can cannellini (white kidney) beans, drained and rinsed
1 sprig fresh rosemary
zest and juice of 1 small (or 1/2 large) lemon

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a medium skillet, heat 1 teaspoon EVOO over high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper. Add the steak to the pan. Cook for about six minutes on each side, or until desired doneness. You may need to reduce the heat if it is getting too dark on the outside.

2. When the steak is about 3 minutes from done, put 2 tablespoons EVOO, garlic, and lemon zest into a small pot over medium heat. Warm through, then add the
beans. Mash them with a potato masher until mostly smooth, but with some texture remaining. Add the rosemary sprig. Stir and cook until heated through. Add a little more EVOO if it looks too dry.

3. When the steak is done, remove it from the skillet and turn off the heat. Squeeze lemon juice into the skillet to incorporate it with the juices from the meat. Serve the steak with this sauce drizzled over it, accompanied by the beautiful beans.

I'd recommend a bit of horseradish with the steak if you like that sort of thing. (I most certainly do!) And a bit of green veg never hurt anyone. Go ahead and throw it in with the steak while it's cooking.

Enjoy!