SIDES

ON THE SIDE

The best steak is often the simplest, here are some accompaniments to go with your beef or lamb steak dishes. For more recipes and ideas, visit scotchkitchen.com

PAPRIKA POTATOES Serves: 2-3 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp paprika or sweet smoked paprika Salt

Tip the diced potatoes onto a baking tray, sprinkle with the oil and salt and toss through with your hands. Shake to spread the potatoes into a single layer and dust with the paprika. Cook in a hot oven for 15 minutes or until tender and golden.

LAMB LEG STEAK SKEWERS

CARAMELISED ONIONS Delicious with beef steaks Serves: 4 3 medium red onions, peeled and finely sliced 25g unsalted butter 2 tbsp olive oil Pinch of salt Good pinch of sugar

Fry the onions in the butter and oil and over a gentle heat until transparent and soft (6 minutes) then sprinkle on the salt and sugar and continue cooking, stirring from time to time until golden and sticky and beginning to crisp at the edge.

CREAMY PESTO A speedy steak sauce Serves: 2 2 tbsp half fat crème fraîche 2 tbsp semi-skimmed milk 1 tbsp red or green pesto from a jar 4 olives, pitted and chopped 1 tbsp fresh basil, roughly chopped

While the cooked steaks are resting, use the same pan and add the crème fraîche, milk and pesto and heat gently for a minute. Stir through the olives and fresh basil.

THYME AND GARLIC BUTTER Try with beef or lamb steaks Serves: 2 25g butter, softened 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped 2 cloves roasted garlic

Mix the butter with thyme and roasted garlic. Place a spoonful of butter onto cooked steaks.

ROSEMARY AND LIME BUTTER Great with lamb steaks Serves: 2 25g butter, softened 2 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped 1 lime, grated zest

Mix the butter with the rosemary and lime zest. Place a spoonful of butter onto cooked steaks.

MINT SAUCE Always great with lamb Serves: 2 A large handful of fresh mint leaves 1 tbsp sugar ½ tsp salt 75ml cider or malt vinegar

Finely chop the mint and scrape it into a small bowl, sprinkle the sugar and salt onto the mint and squash it all together firmly with the back of a spoon to make all the juices run from the mint into the sugar. Add the vinegar and stir together well.

FRESH

TOMATO SALSA A fresh accompaniment with steak dishes Serves: 4 2 tomatoes, chopped ½ onion, finely chopped ¼ cucumber, chopped 1 tsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp olive oil 1 tsp lemon juice

Mix all the chopped ingredients together. Add the vinegar, oil and lemon juice. If you like it hot, add a sprinkle of fresh chillies or chilli flakes.