Steaks & Caramelized Onion

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Medium dice the potatoes. Cut off and discard the stem ends of the brussels sprouts; halve lengthwise. Peel the carrots; halve lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Halve, peel, and thinly slice the onion.

Add the diced potatoes to the pot of boiling water. Cook 16 to 18 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Add the cheese and a drizzle of olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Using a fork or potato masher, mash to your desired consistency. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, place the halved brussels sprouts and carrot pieces on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and enough of the spice blend to coat (you may have extra). Toss to coat; arrange in an even layer. Roast 17 to 19 minutes, or until browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven.

Meanwhile, pat the steaks dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned steaks. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until browned. Flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes for medium-rare (125°F), 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; let rest at least 5 minutes. 

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for steak. Cook the steaks an additional 2 to 3 minutes to achieve this.
Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

While the steaks rest, in the pan of reserved fond, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned and softened. Add the sugar, vinegar (carefully, as the liquid may splatter), 1/4 cup of water, and as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until combined and the liquid is slightly thickened. Turn off the heat. Find the lines of muscle (or grain) on the rested steaks; slice crosswise against the grain. Serve the sliced steaks with the mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Top the steaks with the caramelized onion (including any liquid from the pan). Enjoy!