So, as bistro week continues (the only real thing I learned about the meaning of “bistro” is that I need to grow a mustache for true authenticity. DONE. And gross.) we’re having steak and potatoes!
By the way, bistro week did in fact start on Monday with Aaron’s pasta, and then on Tuesday with soup, but I just forgot to tell you about it. I’d be so fired if I worked for the news.
Do these little steaks look weird to you? It’s because I have the grandest secret ever to tell you. They’re beef tenderloin TAILS. Now, I’m going to be the first to agree, the word “tail” in association with food is pretty wonk. But check it, they’re just the ends of the long slabs of tenderloin and you don’t have to take out a second mortgage on your home to purchase them. Next time you’re at the butcher, ask if they have some. And say this, “Excuse me sir, may I buy your tail today?”
Or wait wait!
This, “Man I feel like some TAIL tonight.” Okay don’t do that. I’m embarrassed for even having typed that out.
And even more so that I’m still laughing about it.
I’m going to pretend none of that just happened.
Pesto! I had some frozen from when I made these tacos a while back. And I seriously beg you to give this swiss chard version a go. You’ll absolutely flip.
Pesto + potato gnocchi = Bev has died from glee overload and has become an angel with a really cute halo and is flying above us all right now still laughing at that whole tail thing.
Your mouth . . .
And your lover’s mouth . . .
Will be born again.
Steak with Pesto Gnocchi:
What it took for 2:
* 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
* 4 beef tenderloin tails
* 1 pound premade gnocchi
* 1 cup swiss chard pesto (or whatever pesto you prefer!)
* coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Rub the steaks with the olive oil and season well with salt and pepper.
Bring a cast iron skillet to a medium-high heat.
Sear the steaks on both sides until your preferred doneness. Mine is medium-rare, so it was about 10 minutes total. Remove from heat, cover and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float, 3 minutes. Drain and stir in the pesto until combined.
Serve steaks over a bed of pesto gnocchi and experience true living.
* If you can’t find premade gnocchi and are feeling like tackling the real deal (maybe for V-day!?) try this!
* If tenderloin tails aren’t your thing, go with any cut of meat you prefer. Or leave it off all together for a simple vegetarian meal!
* Thank you and goodnight.
Gurl you crack me up! And I would SO eat that for breakfast (lunch or dinner ; ) Scrummy!
LOVE gnocchi. too funny cause I was going to make them last night but I don’t have a potato ricer…so I can’t ….YET. I would love some tails for breakfast and lunch and dinner. don’t mind if i do!
Oh Bev, why oh why can’t we be neighbors. Your food is incredible! xoxo
I tried to haggle with the fish man for the “tail” of the $16.99/lb wild Alaskan King salmon the other day. He wasn’t having it though. Maybe I’ll have better luck with the butcher…
PS-I want to bathe in that gnocchi.
YUM! I’ve been craving a steak lately. Okay, always.
I love your writing!!!
I don’t eat a lot of steak but I do just crave it sometimes. This sounds fabulous!
I don’t eat steak but you make me laugh and those little gnocci are so cute!
gnochi + pesto sounds amazing. I’m going to have to give that swiss chard version a try ASAP.
I have everything for the pesto, but the Swiss chard. Do you think I can use kale instead?
You can absolutely use kale! That’s even BETTER.
Love this take on steak and potatoes.
I don’t care what you put pesto on…I’m going to eat it. Even if it’s a tail.
Mmmm… love pesto gnocci!
great valentines dinner idea
Amazing, special, unique, sophisticated…perfect for v-day dinner.
You kinda made me nervous with the tail word for a second. Phew. I’m so asking for tail!!!
Gnocchi might be my favorite pasta in the world. Bistro week rocks.
Omg drool…you had me at steak!
FOR REAL – I’m totally asking the butcher for some tail.
Love this recipe and the photos….that made my heart skip a beat. Now go wax that stache. 
Heather
Just be careful. If you ask for some tail, you might get oxtail. Or tail of a non-edible variety.
Pesto, shmesto. Bringing summer to winter.
You are a food genius and hilarious, and I love your blog more and more each time I read it…if that is even possible….to love it more, that is.
Gnocchi is the best thing ever! LOVE!
Holy Cow….. I just died. Please save a bowl of this gnocchi and steak in my memory.
Steak… pesto… gnocchi!! Man, it’s a delicious food coma waiting to happen! LOVE IT!
Want. Now.
dude. this is insane. craving it like mad.
Bahahaha! I just cracked up out loud at my desk about asking your butcher to buy his tail!!
Mmmmmmm I adore gnocchi!!! And of course pesto! This is my perfect meal! Can I come over for din??
Few blogs inspire me to cook and make me laugh out loud at the same time. I’m going to have to somehow find the time to read your whole blog now.