Frequently Asked Questions
What is Filet Mignon with Chipotle Cream Sauce?
It is a gourmet dish featuring tender filet mignon steaks served with a smoky, rich chipotle cream sauce on top of crispy, butter-fried French bread.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for four filet mignon steaks.
How do I prepare the dried chipotle chiles?
The dried chipotles should be soaked in water until soft and then finely chopped before being added to the sauce.
How many chipotle chiles are needed?
The recipe requires six dried chipotle chiles.
What aromatics are used for the sauce base?
The base of the sauce consists of one finely chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the onion and garlic in oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
What kind of tomato is required?
Use one large tomato that has been peeled, seeded, and finely chopped.
How long does the chipotle sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Do I need to blend the sauce?
Yes, once the sauce has thickened, you should blend it in a blender or food processor until smooth.
What type of oregano is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a half tablespoon of Mexican dried oregano.
Is there any sugar in the sauce?
Yes, a half teaspoon of sugar is added to the sauce to help balance the flavors.
How do I season the filet mignon?
Season the steaks simply with salt and pepper to taste before cooking.
What is the recommended cooking method for the steaks?
You can either grill the filet mignons or sauté them in a skillet over medium-high heat.
What level of doneness is suggested for the steak?
The recipe recommends cooking the steaks to rare or medium-rare.
How long should I cook the filet mignons on each side?
Grill or sauté the steaks for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side.
How is the French bread prepared?
The French bread slices are fried in butter in a skillet until they are golden brown on both sides.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Place each cooked filet mignon on a slice of fried French bread and generously ladle the warm chipotle sauce over the top.
Can I use fresh chipotles instead of dried?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows for the use of fresh chipotles or chipotles in adobo depending on your preference.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The dish features a smoky heat from the chipotles, but the spice level can be customized to your heat preference.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredient list of four filet mignons, the recipe serves four people.
What kind of oil should be used for the sauce?
Two tablespoons of any type of oil can be used to sauté the onion and garlic.
Should the sauce be served hot?
Yes, after pureeing the sauce, return it to the pan to keep it warm on low heat until ready to serve.
What texture does the French bread add?
The butter-fried French bread provides a delightful golden, crispy textural contrast to the tender steak and smooth sauce.
What category of cuisine does this dish fall under?
This dish is categorized as Mexican cuisine with a gourmet twist on classic Tournedos.
Can the sauce be prepared in advance?
The sauce can be made and pureed, then kept warm on low heat while you prepare the steaks and bread.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as an elegant steak dish that is perfect for special occasions or a gourmet dinner party.
What makes the sauce smoky?
The smokiness comes from the use of dried chipotle chiles, which are rehydrated and blended into the sauce.
How much butter is needed for the bread?
The recipe does not specify a measurement, but use enough to fry the bread until it is golden brown on both sides.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick after blending?
While not explicitly mentioned, you can return it to the pan on low heat; if it is too thick, a small amount of water or broth could adjust the consistency.
Should the steak be seasoned after cooking?
The instructions recommend seasoning the filet mignons with salt and pepper before they are grilled or sautéed.