Pairing: Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a traditional Tuscan dish featuring a thick cut of T-bone or porterhouse steak, ideally from Chianina cattle. Grilled over high heat, it's seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary and sage, allowing the beef's rich flavor to shine through. The steak is typically served rare, with a beautifully charred crust and tender, juicy interior. This dish embodies the essence of rustic Italian cooking and is often accompanied by local wines, enhancing the meal's overall experience.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • T-bone or Porterhouse Steak (3-3.5 lbs): The primary component of the dish, its thickness allows for a beautiful crust while remaining juicy inside when cooked rare.
  • Fresh Rosemary and Sage (1 bunch each): These herbs infuse the meat with aromatic flavors, enhancing its natural richness.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for brushing the steak, it adds flavor and aids in achieving a nice char on the grill.
  • Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these enhance the steak's flavor profile without overpowering its natural taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the Steak: Pat the steak dry and season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Herb Brush: Tie the rosemary and sage together with butcher’s twine to form an herb brush. Use it to brush olive oil over the steak.
  4. Grilling: Place the steak on the grill. Cook for about 12 minutes on one side until well charred, then flip and grill for an additional 9 minutes on the other side.
  5. Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
  6. Slice and Serve: Carve the meat and slice it before serving, enjoying the rich flavors complemented by the charred exterior

Serve With

Chianti, Brunello

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Chianti Wine Region

Chianti

Chianti is a renowned red wine produced in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy.

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Brunello

Brunello di Montalcino is a highly esteemed red wine from Tuscany, Italy, made exclusively from the Sangiovese grape, specifically a local clone known as Brunello.

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