Friday Feature: Fajitas and Cava

I love fajitas... who doesn't?  You can make them with a whole array of foods.  One of my all time favorite fajita recipes is actually from the Food Network's Ellie Krieger.  Absolutely love her cookbook, by the way!  I've already shared a few of her recipes on here, and I'm sure you'll see more.  :) 

Steak Fajitas with Avocado Lime Salsa

(Photo by author)

Steak Fajitas (Recipe by Ellie Krieger)

Steak Fajitas Ingredients
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
A pinch cayenne pepper
1 1/4 pound top sirloin steaks cut 1-inch thick
12 small corn tortillas (5 to 6 inches in diameter)
3 cups shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1 lime, cut into wedges
2 cups Avocado Lime Salsa, recipe follows


Avocado Lime Salsa Ingredients
1 large cucumber peeled, seeded and cut into chunks (about 2 cups)
2 avocados, cut into chunks
1/2 red onion, diced
2 limes, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
Salt
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
2 jalapeno chiles, chopped, plus more to taste


Directions
1) In a small bowl stir together chili powder, garlic, cinnamon, salt and cayenne pepper. Rub spice mixture on both sides of steaks.

2) Grill or broil steaks for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium rare, turning once. Remove from grill and let meat sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Carve into thin slices.

3) Warm tortillas by placing them on the grill, for about 30 seconds, turning once. Or place 6 tortillas at a time between 2 moist paper towels and microwave for 45 seconds. Wrap in cloth napkin or place in a tortilla warmer to keep warm. Place the carved steak, warm tortillas, cabbage, cilantro, lime and Avocado Lime Salsa in serving dishes and let diners make their own tacos at the table.

4) For avocado lime salsa, place cucumber, avocado and onion in a large bowl and add lime juice and salt. Add cilantro and chiles and toss gently.

Wine Pairing: Cava
Ummm Cava!  Who doesn't love Cava?  Some of the best value sparkling wines out there is with Cava these days.  Trader Joe's sells some of the best $5 Cava I've ever had!  What is Cava, you ask?  Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine that must be made in the traditional (second fermentation is in the bottle) method.

Quality Seal

(Photo by author)

Cava: Love This Packaging!

(Photo by author)

What I loved about this Cava that I bought for this wine pairing:
1) The packaging totally lured me into buying it.  (Even though I did wonder if there was something to hide under all those plastic covers.)  :)
2) The price was right... $12.
3) It had a relatively light citrus flavor with hints of bready, cream, and yeastiness.  It reminded me very much of a light, young Champagne.
4) It went very well with the spicy jalapenos, and was a great way to refresh your palate in between bites.  Yumm!