Peppered Filet Mignon

• filet mignon↗2
• vegetable oil↗2 tablespoons
• coarsely ground sea salt↗1 tablespoon
• coarsely cracked black peppercorns↗1 tablespoon
• unsalted butter↗2 tablespoons

  at room temperature (optional)

• mixed wild mushrooms1 1⁄2 lbs

  such as crimini, shiitake, porcini, and portobello

• e.v. olive oil↗1⁄2 cup
• chopped leek (3 large)1 cup
• unsalted butter↗4 tablespoons
• kosher salt↗1 teaspoon
• fresh ground black pepper↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• chopped garlic3 tablespoons
• generous cup chopped flat leaf parsley1 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. 2

   Heat a large, well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot, 5 to 7 minutes.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and brush them lightly with vegetable oil. Combine the salt and cracked pepper in a shallow bowl and roll the steaks in the mixture, pressing lightly to evenly coat all sides.

4. 4

   When the skillet is ready, add the steaks and sear them evenly on all sides for about.

5. 5

   1 - to -1 1/2 minutes per side.

6. 6

   Top each steak with a tablespoon of butter and place the skillet in the oven. Cook the steaks until they reach 120 degrees F for rare or 125 degrees F for medium-rare on an instant-read thermometer. (To test the steaks, insert the thermometer sideways to be sure you're actually testing the middle of the steak.).

7. 7

   Remove the steaks to a serving platter, cover tightly with aluminum foil and allow to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

8. 8

   Brush the caps of each mushroom with a clean sponge or damp paper towel. Remove and discard the stems. Slice the small mushrooms thickly and cut the large ones in a large dice.

9. 9

   Heat the olive oil in a large (11 - inch) Dutch oven or saucepan. Add the leeks and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, or until the leeks are translucent. Add the butter, mushrooms, salt, and pepper and cook over medium heat for 8 minutes, until they are tender and begin to release their juices, stirring often. Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Toss in the parsley, sprinkle with salt, and serve warm.