Pan Seared Filet of Beef with Red Wine Pan Sauce + Roasted Asparagus + Garlic Mash

Sometimes, I simply out do myself.

Yes, I realize it's been a few weeks, and my posts have been lacking.  So to make up for it, I'm delivering a 'Top Chef' esque recipe and photo to make your mouth water.

Steak.  Steak.  Steak.

Damn.

This recipe exudes luxury - from the tender filet of beef, to the silky mashed potatoes, to the crunch asparagus, and finally to the rich and creamy red wine sauce.

Forget about having her over - this meal will probably make her stay a while.

Just sayin . . .

MM

Filet Mignon with Red Wine Pan Sauce + Roasted Asparagus + Garlic Mashed Potatoes 

2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and quartered

4 Garlic Cloves, peeled

½ lb Fresh Asparagus, washed and trimmed

4 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided

2 8 oz Filet Mignons, at room temperature

Kosher Salt

Fresh Cracked Pepper
1 Tablespoon Shallot, minced
½ Cup Red Wine
½ Cup Beef Stock

8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted

¼ Cup Heavy Cream, warm

FIRST:  Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Heat a large pot of water over medium high heat.  When water comes to a boil, add potatoes and garlic cloves and cook 11-13 minutes, or until fork tender; remove from heat and set aside.  Next, lay out asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet; drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat each spear.  

SECOND:  Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat and season filets with salt and pepper.  Add remaining oil and sear filets, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes.  Flip filets, and insert into the bottom rack of the oven until internal temperature is 135 degrees F for medium rare/medium, about 5-7 more minutes depending on the cut.  Remove filets from oven and tent with foil to keep warm and rest.  Meanwhile, place asparagus on the top rack of a 425 degree oven, roast for 8-10 minutes, shaking pan on occasion to ensure asparagus cooks evenly. 

THIRD:  Place the cast iron skillet used to cook steaks back on stovetop over medium high heat and sauté shallots for 1-2 minutes.  Deglaze pan with wine, and reduce mixture by half.  Add stock, and once again reduce mixture by half.  Remove from heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter, and season the pan sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

LAST:  Drain potatoes; using either a potato ricer or masher, mash potatoes and garlic into a mixing bowl. Fold in the remaining butter and cream and season potatoes to taste with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.  Plate a portion of potatoes on the center of plate, top with asparagus, and finish with the filet.  Spoon the red wine pan sauce around the perimeter of the plate.  Serve.