Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m excited to share a unique and flavorful recipe that elevates the humble onion to a star ingredient: Sautéed Onions with Beef, Cheese, and Spicy Peppers on Toasted Bread. This hearty dish combines tender beef slices, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a kick of spice, all atop crispy toasted bread. It’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or a delightful dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 200g beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 fresh chilli pepper, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 4 slices of crusty bread (such as sourdough or ciabatta)
- 100g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the bread slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Peppers:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and start to caramelize, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the red bell pepper, chilli pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers are tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Beef:
- Push the onion and pepper mixture to one side of the skillet.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sliced beef to the empty side of the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Combine the beef with the onion and pepper mixture. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat the oven’s broiler setting.
- Place the toasted bread slices back on the baking sheet.
- Evenly distribute the beef and onion mixture over each slice of bread.
- Sprinkle-grated cheddar cheese on top of each slice.
- Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty open-faced sandwich!
Tips:
- Bread Choice: Opt for sturdy bread that can hold up to the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or gouda for varied flavours.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilli pepper to suit your heat preference. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce.
This recipe brings together the sweetness of caramelized onions, the richness of the beef, the creaminess of melted cheese, and the zest of spicy peppers, all atop a crunchy bread base. It’s a delightful fusion of flavours and textures to please your taste buds.
Happy cooking!