Recipe #4: Moroccan-Spiced Grilled Ribeye with Heirloom Tomato Salsa

The summer heat has been inspiring me to cook and grill a lot outdoors. A grill set-up on the backyard, poolside or even better by the beach is the perfect venue for a summer meal. Here’s a simple recipe combining bold flavors from hot climates (North Africa and Latin America). The fragrant spice rub is great with the ribeye and can be used for seafood too. (try it with swordfish or shrimp). Instead of a heavy sauce for the meat, a simple salsa made with heirloom tomatoes provides cooling contrast. Grilled corn and asparagus complement this dish well, although a cool pasta or couscous salad with roasted vegetables would be good accompaniments too. As for wine pairing, a Zinfandel would be a good match for this dish.

Moroccan-Spiced Grilled Ribeye with Heirloom Tomato Salsa
Serves 4

Ingredients:
4 ribeye steaks, around 12 oz per steak
Moroccan Spice Rub
Heirloom Tomato Salsa
4 ears, white corn
1 bunch asparagus
extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper

Procedure:
Generously spread the Moroccan Spice Rub on the ribeye steaks. Allow to marinate for half an hour in the refrigerator.
Coat the ears of corn and asparagus with extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Pre-heat the grill while the steaks are marinating. Season the steaks with salt and pepper and grill to the desired doneness.
Grill the corn and the asparagus.
Serve the steaks with the grilled vegetables and the Heirloom Tomato Salsa.

Moroccan Spice Rub:
¼ cup ground cumin
¼ cup ground paprika
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 small bunch parsley, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 cup extra virgin olive oil

Procedure:
Combine all ingredients together.


For the Heirloom Tomato Salsa:
4 heirloom tomatoes, cut into large dice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small bunch scallions, chopped (about ½ cup)
1 small bunch cilantro, chopped (about ½ cup)
¼ cup lime juice
1 jalapeno chili, chopped (add more for spicier salsa)
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
Combine all ingredients together.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.