
Part panzanella, part steak dinner, all delicious. This quick beef and rocket crouton toss with pesto and pine nuts will keep you satisfied while tasting fresh and delicious. Nice one!
1 clove
garlic
1 packet
beef strips
1 sachet
Italian Herbs
1 unit
courgette
1 unit
ciabatta
(Contains: Soy, Gluten(Wheat); May be present: Eggs, Sesame, Milk, Almond, Hazelnut)
1 packet
pine nuts
(Contains: Tree Nuts; May be present: Sesame, Milk, Gluten, Peanuts, Soy)
1 bag
salad leaves
1 tub
traditional pesto
(Contains: Tree Nuts, Milk; )
1 unit
tomato
olive oil
¼ tsp
salt
1.5 tbs
vinegar (balsamic or white wine)
¼ tsp
brown sugar

Finely chop the garlic (or use a garlic press). In a medium bowl, combine the garlic, beef strips, Italian herbs, salt, vinegar (1 tbs for 2 people / 2 tbs for 4 people) and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with a pinch of pepper and toss to coat. Set aside to marinate. TIP: Marinate the beef for as long as possible to develop the flavours.

While the beef is marinating, tear the bake-at-home ciabatta into 1cm chunks. Cut the courgette into 1cm batons. Finely chop the tomato. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and remaining vinegar. Set aside.

Heat a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the pine nuts and toast, stirring regularly, for 3-4 minutes, or until golden. Transfer to a small bowl. Return the pan to a medium-high heat and add a good drizzle of olive oil. Add the ciabatta chunks to the pan and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring regularly, for 5-6 minutes, or until golden and slightly crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel.

Return the pan to a medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the courgette batons and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until tender. Transfer to the bowl with the vinegar mixture. Return the pan to a high heat with a drizzle of olive oil (no need to wash the pan). Add 1/2 the beef strips and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until browned. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining beef. Set the beef aside to rest for a few minutes. TIP: Cooking the beef in batches helps it stay tender and stops it stewing.

Transfer some of the resting juices from the beef (2 tsp for 2 people / 1 tbs for 4 people) to the medium bowl with the courgette. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the rocket leaves and tomato to the courgette mixture and toss to coat. TIP: Toss the salad just before serving to prevent soggy leaves.

Divide the rocket and courgette mixture between plates and top with the Italian beef. Sprinkle over the pine nuts and croutons. Top with dollops of the traditional pesto. TIP: For the low calorie option, serve with 1/2 the pesto. TIP: If you like, you can toss it all together and serve as a salad.