Poached Beef Fillet With Watercress Walnut Salad Recipes

POACHED BEEF FILLET WITH WATERCRESS & WALNUT SALAD

Steps:

• Put the stock on to boil with the onion, fennel, carrot and herbs. Cover and simmer for 10 mins. Trim the beef fillet of any sinew. Do not tie it.
• Season the beef all over, then lower into the simmering stock. Allow the stock to return to a gentle boil, then lower the heat until it is barely simmering. Cover, then cook for 18 mins for medium-rare, 22 mins for well done. Remove the pan from the heat, leave the meat to stand for 15 mins in the stock, remove and pat dry. Slice into 8 pieces. The stock can be strained, cooled and re-used.
• Make the salad by scattering the watercress leaves over a small serving plate. Whisk together the oil, vinegar, mustard and some seasoning. Drizzle half over the leaves and scatter with the nuts. Arrange the meat on top and mix 2 tbsp of the stock with the remaining dressing. Pour over the beef, sprinkle with sea salt flakes and serve with steamed Jersey Royal potatoes.

BEEF PAILLARDS WITH WATERCRESS AND HERB SALAD

Steps:

• Cut each filet horizontally (across the grain) into three equal pieces. Gently pound filets between sheets of plastic wrap to 1/4-inch thickness using a flat meat pounder or a rolling pin.
• Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste, then toss with watercress, cilantro, and mint.
• Pat 2 paillards dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 3/4 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over high heat until just beginning to smoke, then sauté paillards, turning once, 1 minute for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate. Dry and season remaining paillards and sauté in same manner with remaining oil.
• Top paillards with salad.

WATERCRESS, PEAR AND WALNUT SALAD WITH POPPY SEED DRESSING

Steps:

• Whisk vinegar, mustard and honey in small bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in oil. Mix in poppy seeds. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
• Toss watercress and walnuts in large bowl with enough dressing to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Divide salad among 8 plates. Toss pears with 1/4 cup dressing in small bowl. Spoon pears atop salads.

PEPPERED BEEF WITH WATERCRESS AND CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Toss the watercress and cucumbers together in a glass or ceramic bowl. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper and toss to coat. Set aside.
• Heat a large, heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
• Meanwhile, coat each piece of beef on both sides in the peppercorns. Place in the pan and saute until medium rare, about 30 seconds per side.
• Place 1 piece of beef on each of 4 plates, top with the salad and serve immediately.