Pepper Steak
Welcome to Granny's kitchen, where we're serving up a taste of the South with our Pepper Steak. This savory dish is a celebration of the simple, comforting flavors of tender steak and crisp peppers. It's a main course that's as hearty as it is delicious, a testament to the Southern tradition of making the most of simple, readily available ingredients.
Perfect for dinner, our Pepper Steak pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes or a serving of white rice. The savory flavors of the steak and peppers complement the sides, creating a balanced meal that's just right for any occasion. But don't let the name fool you; this dish isn't just for dinner. It's also a perfect lunch, or even breakfast next to a couple fried eggs, offering a hearty meal for those moments when you need a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds sirloin or round steak ½ teaspoon salt 2 medium onions, chopped 1 cup beef broth 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1 clove garlic, minced 2 green peppers 2 tablespoons cornstarch ¼ cup cold water 2 tomatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Method
- 1. Cut meat into servings and brown in a pan along with the chopped onions.
- 2. When the meat is browned, stir in the broth, soy sauce, and garlic. Cover and simmer until the meat is tender.
- 3. Add green peppers and simmer for five minutes.
- 4. Blend cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Gradually stir it into the meat mixture until it thickens and boils.
- 5. Add tomatoes and heat through. Serve over rice.
Pepper Steak: A Savory Delight
Steak, as a culinary term, originates from the Old Norse word 'steik', meaning 'roast'. It was a term used to describe a method of cooking used by the Vikings, who would roast meat on a spit over an open fire. This method of cooking was brought to the British Isles during the Viking invasions and became a popular way to prepare meat, particularly beef.
The history of steak in America is deeply intertwined with the history of the cattle industry. In the 19th century, the vast open ranges of the American West provided an ideal environment for raising cattle. The cattle industry flourished, and beef became a staple of the American diet. Steak, in particular, became a symbol of American prosperity, a dish reserved for special occasions and celebrations.
Pepper Steak, as we know it today, is a dish that combines the tradition of steak with the flavors and ingredients available in the Southern United States. The use of peppers in the dish is a testament to the agricultural richness of the region, where peppers of all varieties are grown in abundance. The combination of the hearty, rich flavor of steak with the sharp, vibrant flavor of peppers creates a dish that is both satisfying and uniquely Southern.
The dish's origins can be traced back to the colonial era when European settlers brought with them recipes for hearty meals. However, in the New World, ingredients were different and often scarce. This led to the creation of dishes like Pepper Steak, a simpler, more rustic version of traditional steak dishes. The dish was a way for settlers to make the most of the ingredients they had available to them, combining the techniques and flavors of their home countries with the ingredients of their new home.
Today, Pepper Steak is more than just a savory dish. It's a piece of culinary history, a dish that tells a story of adaptation, resourcefulness, and the blending of cultures. It's a testament to the rich culinary tradition of the Southern United States, a tradition that continues to influence and shape American cuisine today.