One sunny afternoon, I found myself wandering through a bustling market filled with vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas. It was there that I stumbled upon a stall overflowing with ripe pomegranates, their ruby-red seeds glistening in the sunlight. Inspired by the beauty of the fruits, I decided to create a dish that would beautifully marry the richness of beef with the bright, tangy notes of pomegranate. This Spiced Beef and Pomegranate Salad was born from that moment, combining flavors and textures that dance on your palate.
Ingredients
1 lb flank steak
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sea salt
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp honey
Instructions
Start by marinating the flank steak. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, black pepper, and sea salt. Rub the spice mixture all over the steak, ensuring it is well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
While the steak is marinating, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated flank steak and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness is achieved. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint leaves. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
To serve, arrange the salad mixture on a large platter or individual plates. Top with the sliced steak and drizzle the honey-balsamic dressing over the entire salad. Enjoy this delightful explosion of flavors that brings together the heartiness of beef with the refreshing zest of pomegranate!
This dish is perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy dinner at home. Each bite is a lovely reminder of that vibrant market day, where simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.