Beef and Black Bean Salad

Beef and Black Bean Salad Directions

1758 kilojoules/ 420 calories per serving 315g (10oz) black kidney beans, soaked overnight 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 tspn chopped fresh thyme Pinch of cayenne pepper 1 bay leaf 2 leeks, washed thoroughly, thinly sliced 750g (1½lb) fillet steak, trimmed of all fat and sliced into thin strips 250g (½lb) French beans, trimmed, cut in half 1 onion, extra 8 cherry tomatoes, halved 1 green capsicum (pepper), seeded, cut into strips 1 butter lettuce DRESSING ¾ cup red wine vinegar Juice of 1 lemon 2 tblspn Dijon mustard 2 tblspn honey Salt Pepper 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ¼ cup safflower oil 4 tblspn virgin olive oil

1. Drain beans, place in a large casserole with onion, garlic, thyme, cayenne pepper and bay leaf. Cover with cold water, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover casserole, cook for 1 ½ hours or until beans are just tender. Drain, rinse beans under cold running water. Set aside.

2. Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan, add leeks and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add beef strips and saute 2 minutes. Set aside.

3. Cook French beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold running water.

4. To make dressing: Combine all ingredients, except the oils, in a processor. Process for 15 seconds. Gradually add oils, process until well amalgamated.

5. In a large bowl combine onion, tomato, green capsicum and beef. Add black beans and French beans, pour over half the salad dressing, toss well to coat. Make a bed of lettuce leaves on a large platter, arrange salad mixture on top. Serve immediately, with remaining dressing separately.