Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon

Grower: Diamond Creek
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Style: Bold and Complex
Country: USA
Appellation: Napa Valley
Vintage: 2008/9
Closure: CORK
Alcohol: 14.1% ABV
Bottle Size: 75cl

Strip Steak with Arugula Pesto

Cooking Time: 00 hrs 40 mins (approx.)
Number of Servings: 2

INGREDIENTS

One 1-pound boneless strip steak, about 2 inches thick
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for rubbing
Salt and freshly ground pepper
6 garlic cloves, unpeeled
2 rosemary sprigs
2 thyme sprigs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 ounces baby arugula (7 loose cups)
1 ice cube
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat a medium cast-iron skillet until hot. Lightly rub the steak with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. 2. Add the steak to the hot skillet and cook over moderate heat until browned on the bottom, about 6 minutes.
3. Add the garlic cloves, herb sprigs and butter to the skillet. Turn the steak and cook for 5 minutes. Using kitchen tongs, turn the steak on each side and cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side.
4. Lay the steak flat, baste it with the butter in the skillet and turn the garlic cloves. Continue to cook the steak for about 5 minutes longer, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 125° for medium-rare.
5. Transfer the steak and garlic cloves to a cutting board and let rest.
6. Meanwhile, bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add all but 1 cup of the arugula and cook for 10 seconds, then drain and cool under running water.
7. Squeeze out the excess water and transfer the blanched arugula to a mini food processor. Add the ice cube, 3 tablespoons of the pine nuts, the Parmesan and the 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Process to a fine paste.
8. Season the pesto with salt and pepper.
9. Spoon the pesto onto 2 plates. Thinly slice the steak and arrange on the pesto. Mound the remaining 1 cup of arugula on the steak and drizzle with any steak juices.
10. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of pine nuts and the garlic cloves and serve.