Recipe: New York Steak Salad (with fried green tomatoes and cumin vinaigrette)

New York Steak Salad (with fried green tomatoes and cumin vinaigrette)
Source: Anne and David Gingrass
Makes four appetizer portions

16 oz. New York Strip Steak (thicker is better)
4 Cups Mixed baby greens (mesclun) - washed well

for the vinaigrette
2 Tbls. Ground Cumin
1 Tbl. Water
1.25 Cup Olive Oil, virgin but not too strong
0.5 Cup Champagne Vinegar
to taste Salt and pepper

for the fried green tomatoes
2 Each Medium sized green tomatoes (tomatillos may be substituted)
1/2 Cup Buttermilk
1/2 Cup Corn meal
1/2 Cup Flour
2 Tbls. Olive Oil, virgin
2 Tbls. Butter, unsalted

Prepare the vinaigrette: In a blender canister, combine the cumin and water. Pulse several times to get the cumin wet. Add a small amount of additional water if needed. Next, add the olive oil and allow the blender to run at top speed for about five minutes. If time permits, allow this mixture to stand at room temperature overnight. If not, allow to stand for 30 minutes then strain through a very fine strainer or cheesecloth. This is now cumin oil. Whisk the oil into the champagne vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper. Reserve until ready to assemble salad.

Prepare the fried green tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices and season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow container and put the sliced tomatoes into it. Pour the cornmeal into another shallow container and transfer the sliced tomatoes into it. Turn over back and forth to evenly coat the tomatoes with cornmeal. Heat a suitable saute pan over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Fry the tomatoes until they begin to soften then remove them to an absorbent cloth to drain. Keep in a warm place.

To assemble the salad: Season the steak well with salt and pepper and grill or roast it to desired doneness. Allow it to rest for five or ten minutes depending on thickness (thicker meat takes longer to rest) then slice it across the grain into 1/4 to 1/8 inch slices. Toss the mixed greens lightly in the cumin vinaigrette and arrange a quarter of the amount on each plate. Arrange the sliced steak over the greens and place the fried tomatoes over the top.