Oven-baked beef fillet with plum sauce and rice

Oven-baked beef fillet with plum sauce and rice

Ingredients:

For the beef fillet:

• 2 beef fillets (approximately 200-250 g each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

For the plum sauce:

• 1 cup of fresh plums, pitted and quartered
• 1/2 cup of red wine
• 1/2 cup of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of butter

For the rice:

• 1 cup of rice
• 2 cups of water or chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter

Instructions:

Prepare the beef fillet:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Season the fillets with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the fillets on both sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Add the minced garlic and rosemary sprig to the skillet.
5. Transfer the fillets to a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes for medium doneness. Adjust the time based on your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest, covered with aluminum foil.

Prepare the plum sauce:

1. In the same skillet used to sear the fillets, add the plums and cook for 2-3 minutes.
2. Pour in the red wine and bring to a boil, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
3. Stir in the beef broth, honey or brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat until the sauce reduces and thickens, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Add the butter for a glossy finish, and the thyme sprig if using.

Prepare the rice:

1. In a saucepan, heat the oil or butter. Add the rice and lightly toast.
2. Pour in the water or chicken broth and add salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

To serve:

1. Place the beef fillets on a plate and drizzle the plum sauce over the top.
2. Serve with a portion of rice on the side.
3. Garnish with a sprig of thyme or rosemary if desired.

Tip: For a more complex flavor, you can add a touch of cinnamon or ginger to the plum sauce.