Coronation Beef Tea Sandwiches
Makes 15
The famous recipe for “Poulet Reine Elizabeth,” otherwise known as Coronation Chicken, was created in 1953 to be served at the coronation luncheon of Queen Elizabeth II. In our masculine and hearty take on the historic savory, we keep in tradition with coating meat in warming spices, like curry powder, but replace the chicken with tender beef filets and let it mingle naturally with a flavorful spread instead of blending them together into a salad of sorts.
2 (8-ounce) beef filet mignons
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
¼ teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
10 slices brioche sandwich bread
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
Coronation Spread (recipe follows)
1 cup loosely packed spring lettuces
• Season all sides of beef filets evenly with 1 teaspoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Brush a medium cast-iron skilletor sauté pan with remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil. Preheat over medium-high heat until pan is hot and oil is shimmering. Add filets to pan and let cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Turn filets over and let cook until seared on the outside but rare on the inside, 5 to 7 minutes more. (Cook longer for desired doneness.) Remove filets to a plate, cover with foil, and let sit for 15 minutes before slicing.* Using a serrated knife in a gentle, sawing motion, cut filets into ¼-inch-thick slices. Blot on paper towels to absorb meat juices.
• Using a serrated bread knife in a gentle, sawing motion, cut and discard crusts from bread slices. Cut each bread slice into 3 equal rectangles. Spread a layer of butter onto each bread rectangle. Spread a layer of Coronation Spread on butter side of 15 bread rectangles. Arrange lettuce evenly on butter side of remaining 15 bread rectangles. Place a filet slice each on top of lettuce layer and cover with a bread slice, Coronation Spread side down. Serve immediately, or cover with damp paper towels, place in a covered container, refrigerate, and serve within 2 hours.
*At this
