Steak de Burgo is a classic Midwestern dish that has gained popularity for its delicious garlic- and herb-forward flavor profile. This dish, which originated in Des Moines, Iowa, pays homage to the flavors of Southern Europe, with a nod to Burgos, the home of the rebel Nationalist government during the Spanish Civil War.
The key to making a perfect steak de Burgo is to sear or grill a high-quality steak and then top it with a rich garlic-herb sauce. The sauce is made in the same pan as the steak, allowing it to absorb all the delicious drippings. The combination of herbs, such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, enhances the flavor of the dish and makes it truly special.
The history of steak de Burgo in Des Moines is a bit murky, with conflicting claims about which local restaurant first created the dish. Some say it was Johnny & Kay’s, while others swear by Vic’s Tally Ho. Regardless of its origins, steak de Burgo has become a beloved staple in the Des Moines dining scene, with variations of the dish available at various restaurants across the city.
One such variation is the cream-based de Burgo, which adds a creamy element to the traditional garlic-herb sauce. This version of the dish can be found at Tom Archer’s Poor Man’s Supper Club, a retro-style dinner club located below the Val Air Ballroom.
Executive chef Ryan Skinner, who leads the kitchen at Tom Archer’s, has a deep appreciation for steak de Burgo and believes it is an essential part of any supper club menu. His version of the dish includes a sauce made with garlic, shallots, Worcestershire sauce, white wine, cream, and herbs, creating a rich and flavorful topping for the steak.
Whether you’re dining at Tom Archer’s, Tumea & Sons, Simon’s, or Centro, you can expect to find a delicious version of steak de Burgo on the menu. This classic Midwest dish continues to delight diners with its robust flavors and rich history, making it a must-try for steak lovers everywhere. When it comes to steak, there are so many delicious cuts to choose from. Top sirloin, filet mignon, and New York strip are just a few of the popular options that you might find on a restaurant menu. But did you know that these cuts are sometimes swapped in for one another in certain dishes?
One dish where this swap might occur is Steak de Burgo. This classic Midwestern dish, originating from Des Moines, Iowa, features tender beef steaks cooked to perfection and topped with a rich and flavorful sauce. While traditional Steak de Burgo is made with beef tenderloin, also known as filet mignon, it’s not uncommon to see variations of this dish made with other cuts like top sirloin or New York strip.
According to Chef Jacob Schroeder, owner of Crafted Food Services and Moxie Kitchen + Events in Des Moines, Steak de Burgo is a great dish to practice making pan sauces. The sauce for Steak de Burgo can come in two varieties: a buttery version flavored with herbs and garlic, or a creamy version finished with cream. Both styles have their own unique appeal and can elevate the flavors of the dish in different ways.
If you’re looking to make Steak de Burgo at home, Chef Schroeder shares his recipe for this delicious dish. Start by searing your choice of steak in a hot skillet until a crust forms, then make a flavorful sauce with onions, garlic, white wine, herbs, cream, and butter. Finish the dish by topping the steaks with the creamy sauce and fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
Whether you choose to use filet mignon, top sirloin, or New York strip, Steak de Burgo is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. So next time you’re craving a decadent and flavorful steak dinner, consider trying your hand at making Steak de Burgo with your favorite cut of beef. The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation has gained popularity in recent years as a powerful tool for improving mental and emotional well-being. This ancient practice, rooted in Buddhist tradition, involves focusing on the present moment and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can have a wide range of benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving concentration and overall happiness.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness meditation is its ability to reduce stress. By focusing on the present moment and observing thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them, practitioners can learn to let go of stressful thoughts and emotions. This can help reduce the body’s stress response, leading to decreased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Over time, regular practice of mindfulness meditation can lead to lower overall levels of stress and increased resilience to future stressors.
In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness meditation has also been shown to improve mental health. Studies have found that regular practice of mindfulness meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. By cultivating a nonjudgmental awareness of thoughts and emotions, practitioners can learn to respond to difficult situations with more clarity and compassion, rather than reacting impulsively or getting overwhelmed by negative emotions. This can lead to a greater sense of emotional balance and well-being.
Furthermore, mindfulness meditation can improve concentration and focus. By training the mind to stay present and focused on the task at hand, practitioners can increase their ability to pay attention and avoid distractions. This can be especially beneficial in today’s fast-paced world, where we are constantly bombarded with information and stimuli. By practicing mindfulness meditation regularly, individuals can develop a greater sense of mental clarity and sharpness.
Another benefit of mindfulness meditation is its ability to increase self-awareness and self-compassion. By observing thoughts and emotions without judgment, practitioners can gain insight into their inner workings and develop a greater sense of self-awareness. This can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s patterns of behavior, as well as a greater sense of compassion for oneself and others. This can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with low self-esteem or self-criticism.
Overall, mindfulness meditation offers a wide range of benefits for mental and emotional well-being. By reducing stress, improving mental health, increasing concentration and focus, and fostering self-awareness and self-compassion, mindfulness meditation can help individuals lead happier and more fulfilling lives. Whether practiced for just a few minutes a day or as part of a more structured meditation routine, mindfulness meditation can be a powerful tool for improving overall well-being.
