Mediterranean Spiced Cucumber Medallions Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat grill to high.
• Place tied salmon steaks on the alder planks. Cut 1 1/2-inch hole in center of tied steaks. Finely mince fresh dill and mix with cream cheese. Spoon the mixture into the center of steaks. Season with lemon zest, paprika, salt, and cracked black pepper. Place planks on grill until they begin to smoke, reduce heat to medium low and cover grill. Cook slowly for 15 to 20 minutes or until the fish begins to flake easily. Do not overcook. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Steps:

• In a large skillet heat the oil. Add the medallions and saute them over high heat for 2 minutes a side to brown them. Lower the heat and continue to cook slowly for about 5 minutes or until just cooked through. Don't overcook or they will toughen. When done, remove the medallions to a serving plate.
• To the remaining oil add the cumin, turmeric and tomatoes and stir for a few seconds just to heat the tomatoes; season to taste with salt and crushed red pepper and spoon over the medallions.

Steps:

• Place the potatoes in a large, high-sided skillet, cover with water and bring to a boil. Add a good pinch of kosher salt and cook until tender, about 12 minutes.
• Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak medallions all over with the steak seasoning. When the oil is hot and the butter has melted, add the steak to the skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium rare. Remove to a plate and cover with foil to rest.
• Without cleaning the skillet, add the garlic, thyme, oregano and onions. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, scraping the skillet to release any flavorful steak bits stuck to the bottom, until the onions are starting to become golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the white wine to the onions and allow it to reduce for 1 minute. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and allow it to melt.
• Drain the potatoes and pour onto a serving platter. Using the bottom of a glass, press firmly to slightly crush the potatoes and sprinkle over a little kosher salt. Top with the onion mixture. Place the steak medallions on top and garnish with the chopped parsley and flaked sea salt. Serve with horseradish cream if desired.

Steps:

• Dissolve 1/4 cup salt in 1 cup cold water in a medium bowl. Add the pork medallions, cover and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours.
• Meanwhile, spread the fruitcake on a plate and microwave until slightly dry, 1 to 2 minutes. Chop any large pieces of fruit or nuts, then let cool. Mix the butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Mix in the dried fruitcake and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Drain the pork and pat dry. Insert a paring knife into the curved side of each medallion to create a small pocket in the middle. Open the pocket with the knife or your fingertip and tuck spoonfuls of the fruitcake stuffing inside. Secure each opening with a toothpick.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Season the pork with pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat, then add the pork and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish and bake until cooked through, about 12 minutes.
• Wipe out the skillet. Add the sherry, then return to medium heat, bring to a boil and reduce by about half. Add the cream and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the toothpicks and slice the pork medallions in half crosswise. Serve with spinach, if desired, and drizzle with the cream sauce.

Steps:

• Combine cucumber slices, radish slices, red onion, dill, and parsley in a large bowl.
• Whisk olive oil, vinegar, and mustard together until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pour dressing over the cucumber salad. Stir until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• Option 1: "Plain" but seasoned:
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Season pork all over with 1 tsp. salt. Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high. Sear pork, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 7 minutes. Transfer skillet to oven and roast, flipping pork halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of meat registers 145°F for medium/medium-rare, 10-12 minutes. Transfer pork to a cutting board (reserve skillet if you're going for Option 3) and let rest at least 5 minutes. Slice into medallions. Meanwhile, toss grains with remaining 2 Tbsp. oil and 3/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Fold in cucumbers and tomatoes, or serve them alongside.
• Option 2: A little more flavor:
• Before searing pork, add cumin, brown sugar, and 1 tsp. pepper to 1 tsp. salt. Rub all over pork, then follow cooking directions above. Fold lemon juice and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper into grain salad. Top salad with feta before serving.
• Option 3: Take it next level:
• After searing pork, drain excess fat from skillet and heat over medium. Add harissa and cook, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, until bubbling and slightly browned, about 30 seconds. Pour in wine or broth, increase heat to high, and cook, scraping up browned bits, until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and add butter, one piece at a time, whisking to incorporate after each addition until emulsified. Stir in lemon juice, if using (we especially like it with the chicken broth-based sauce); season with salt and pepper. Fold herbs and olives into grain salad. Divide pork and salad among plates and serve sauce alongside.