Spice-Rubbed Steaks & Basmati Rice

Peel 1 garlic clove. In a small pot, combine the whole garlic clove, rice, a big pinch of salt, and 2 cups of water; heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook 14 to 16 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat; fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Set aside in a warm place.

While the rice cooks, wash and dry the fresh produce. Halve the squash lengthwise; cut crosswise into ¼-inch-thick pieces. Cut off and discard the pepper stems. Halve the peppers lengthwise, then remove and discard the ribs and seeds. Thinly slice crosswise. Quarter and deseed the lemon. Roughly chop the figs; place in a bowl with ¼ cup of warm water to rehydrate. Roughly chop the almonds. Roughly chop the cilantro leaves and stems. Pick the mint leaves off the stems; discard the stems, then roughly chop.Peel and finely chop the remaining garlic clove; using the flat side of your knife, smash until it resembles a paste (or use a zester). In a bowl, combine the labneh, mint, 1 ½ tablespoons of water, a drizzle of olive oil, and as much of the garlic paste as you’d like; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and the spice blend on both sides. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned steaks and cook 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until browned and cooked to your desired degree of doneness. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board and let rest for at least 5 minutes.

While the steaks rest, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan of reserved fond; heat on medium-high until hot. Add the squash; cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned and slightly softened. Add the peppers; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened. Turn off the heat; stir in the juice of 1 lemon wedge. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

While the vegetables cook, to the pot of cooked rice, add the rehydrated figs (draining before adding), almonds, the juice of the remaining lemon wedges, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir to combine; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Find the lines of muscle (or grain) on the rested steaks; thinly slice crosswise against the grain. Divide the finished rice, cooked vegetables, and sliced steaks among 4 dishes. Garnish with the cilantro. Serve with the garlic labneh sauce on the side. Enjoy!