Beef Tenderloin with Bitter Sauce

The beef tenderloin with bitter sauce is a refined dish that combines the delicacy of beef with a unique aromatic note given by the bitter. It is a creative adaptation that blends Italian cuisine with contemporary elements. Below is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 beef tenderloins (about 200 g each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 30 g of butter
• 1 shallot
• 1 clove of garlic
• 100 ml of Italian amaro
• 200 ml of beef broth
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• Flour, as needed for dusting the tenderloins

Preparation

1. Begin by bringing the meat to room temperature about 20 minutes before cooking.
2. Season the beef tenderloins with salt and pepper, then lightly flour them on all sides.
3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil with half of the butter in a pan over medium-high heat and once hot add the tenderloins. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the desired doneness is reached. Once ready, set the tenderloins aside to keep warm.
4. In the same pan, lower the heat and add the finely chopped shallot and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.
5. Remove the garlic and deglaze with the Italian amaro, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Add the beef broth and allow the sauce to reduce for about 10 minutes.
6. After the reduction, incorporate the remaining butter to enrich the sauce and add a sprig of rosemary to infuse. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Briefly return the tenderloins to the pan with the sauce, to flavor them and soften them, potentially creating a glaze effect.
8. Serve the tenderloins hot, ladled with the bitter sauce and accompanied, if desired, by a side of vegetables or roasted potatoes.

Curiosity

The use of bitter in cooking is a practice that is spreading, due to its unique character that can add depth and complexity to many preparations. Bitter, which is a herbal liqueur, can vary greatly in taste, so feel free to experiment with different types to further customize the sauce.