Preparing the Sweet Potato Fries:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season the Fries: Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) until evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown, turning halfway through the cooking time.
Cooking the Steak:
- Season the Steak: Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook the Steak: Place the steaks in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Making the Peppercorn Sauce:
- Sauté Shallot and Garlic: In the same skillet used for the steak, sauté the shallot and garlic until softened.
- Deglaze: Add the brandy or cognac to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Allow the alcohol to reduce by half.
- Add Broth and Cream: Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, and crushed peppercorns. Simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
Serving:
- Plate the Steak: Slice the rested steak and arrange it on plates.
- Add Sweet Potato Fries: Accompany each steak with a portion of sweet potato fries.
- Drizzle Peppercorn Sauce: Generously drizzle the peppercorn sauce over the steak.
- Garnish with Avocado: Add slices of ripe avocado on the side for a creamy, fresh contrast.
Tips for Success:
- Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired level of doneness: 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium.
- Fries Consistency: For crispier sweet potato fries, make sure they are not overcrowded on the baking sheet, as this will steam them rather than crisp them.
- Peppercorn Sauce: For a smoother sauce, you can strain out the shallots, garlic, and peppercorns after reducing, although leaving them in adds texture and flavor.
This Steak and Sweet Potato Fries meal with Peppercorn Sauce and Avocado offers a perfect balance of flavors and is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the endearing qualities of steak and chips with a gourmet twist.