Cube Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

While growing up my mother would make cube steak at least once during the winter season. Although not the fanciest of steaks  the meal and the time with my mother  was always special.  It is one of those foods that brings me back home.  Aside from sentimentality, cube steak also tastes great. It has a deep beefy flavor and is thankfully void of any livery flavor. Cube steak is one of the most economical steaks because it is a tough cut of beef that's been mechanically tenderized. Cube steak is most often used in country/chicken fried steak dishes found at popular breakfast restaurants.  This preparation employes braising the cube steak with vegetables water and a little wine. The result is a tender, moist and  savory entrée fit for a family meal or a small gathering of friends.  It pairs well with garlic mashed potatoes.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 pound of cube steaks
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup and 1 tablespoon flour
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/cup chopped celery
1/2 cup sliced carrots
1/4 cup red wine
1/2 cup water



Step One:

Season each side of the cube steaks with salt and pepper.  Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a nonstick skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Place flour in a shallow container or a dinner plate and dredge the steaks throughout  the flour. Pick up each floured steak and tap it to remove excess flour.  Add the steaks to the  skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side to brown.  Remove the steaks from the skillet and reserve.



Step Two:

Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the onions, celery and carrots and cook until tender and the onions are translucent. Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour combining it well with the vegetables. Continuing to stir, cook for 1 minute.





Step Three:

Add the wine and water to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, and then reduce it to a simmer. Nestle the cube steaks into the mixture. Cover and braise for 40 minutes.









Garlic Mashed potatoes

Ingredients:
2 quarts water
2 pound white potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" pieces
1/3 cup fat free half and half
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic pressed
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt



Step One:

Bring the water to a rapid boil and then add the potatoes. Cover and reduce to a simmer.  Cook the potatoes for 15 minutes, or until tender.




Step Two:

Remove the pan from the heat, and using a colander,  strain potatoes. Return the potatoes to the pan.  Add the remaining ingredients, and mash then the potatoes to combine all ingredients well.