Cocoa-Chili Rub for Steak

This is the fifth post in my series documenting our Chocolate Cooking Class with Chef Sarah Leavell of The Canebrake.

With all the sweet stuff we had during this chocolate adventure (truffles, almond cups, chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate pear jam and raspberry chocolate cupcakes), we needed a savory but chocolate-themed lunch.

A “light” lunch was to be served and I was sure it would be a cocoa-inspired dish.

It was.

We were served a tasty sandwich of Cocoa-Chili Rubbed Steak Manchego Melts with Chimichurri.     Delicious again!

Here are the recipes for the Cocoa-Chili Rub along with the chimichurri.

Cocoa-Chili Rub
From Chef Sara Leavell of The Canebrake

Makes 3/4 cup.

3 T. brown sugar
2 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 T. chili powder
1/2 t. granulated garlic
1/2 t. ground oregano
1/2 t. cumin
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. salt
1 pinch cayenne (optional)

Place all ingredients in a covered jar or sealed bag and shake to evenly blend.    Rub meat with blended spices and allow at least two hours to marinate before grilling or broiling.    This marriage of cocoa and chili works well together and is great on grilled beef, pork, or chicken.

 

Chimichurri Sauce
From Chef Sara Leavell of The Canebrake

Makes 1 cup.

1 bunch parsley leaves, finely chopped
1 bunch cilantro leaves, finely chopped
3 T. capers,  finely chopped
1/2 c. red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 T. red wine vinegar
1/2 t. red pepper flakes
1/2 c. olive oil
salt and pepper to tast

Place the parsley, cilantro, capers, onions and garlic in a medium mixing bowl and toss to combine.    Add the vinegar and red pepper and stir.

Pour in the olive oil and mix until well combined.   Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes so that the flavors blend.   Season to taste with salt and pepper.

I love chimichurri  sauce and I think I could just drink it from a shot glass.

2013-02-09 12.26.21To create the sandwiches, use the rub on flank steak, thinly slice it, layer the meat on crusty rolls with Manchego and chimichurri.   Eat immediately!

(For another delicious but similar sauce, Salsa Verde, from another cooking class, click here.)

easterHope you have a fantastic holiday!

Stay tuned for some delicious chocolate ice cream!

19 comments to Cocoa-Chili Rub for Steak