Surprise Filet

Surprise Filet Recipe: A Delicious Haitian Beef Dish

Region / culture: Haiti | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Surprise Filet is a delicious and savory dish that is sure to impress your guests. This recipe features a tender beef filet stuffed with onions, garlic, and bacon, creating a flavorful and juicy main course.

History

The origins of Surprise Filet are unclear, but it is believed to have been created as a way to elevate a traditional beef filet by adding additional flavors and textures. This dish has become a popular choice for special occasions and dinner parties.

Ingredients

1 beef filet (2-4 lb (1.81 kg))
6 strips of bacon
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 lime, split in half
pepper
seasoned salt

How to prepare

Rinse the filet with cool water and rub it with lime halves. Split the filet down the middle, making sure to open it up without cutting it into two pieces.
Place the filet open on the counter and spread onions, minced garlic, and 3 strips of bacon along its entire length. Sprinkle with seasoned salt and pepper. Fold the filet back to its original shape before splitting. Wrap the filet with the remaining strips of bacon, using toothpicks if needed to secure it. Let the filet marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours.
Remove the filet from the marinade and sauté it briefly in a large skillet to add some color. Then, transfer the filet to a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the filet is tender.
Remove the toothpicks, slice the filet diagonally into thin slices, and serve hot.

Variations

Try using different herbs and spices in the stuffing mixture, such as rosemary, thyme, or paprika.
Substitute the beef filet with pork tenderloin or chicken breast for a different flavor profile.
Add cheese to the stuffing mixture for a gooey and indulgent twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the filet for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Sautéing the filet before baking helps to seal in the juices and create a nice crust on the outside.

- Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the filet to ensure it stays in place while cooking.

- Let the filet rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Surprise Filet with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the filet before baking helps to create a nice crust and seal in the juices.

- Baking the filet in the oven ensures that it cooks evenly and stays tender throughout.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bacon, you can use prosciutto or pancetta as a substitute.

- Feel free to customize the stuffing mixture with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Surprise Filet up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining or busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the Surprise Filet into thin slices and arrange them on a platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra pop of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Surprise Filet pairs well with a bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a sparkling water infused with citrus slices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the filet in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Surprise Filet contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the size of the filet and the amount of bacon used.

Carbohydrates

Surprise Filet is a low-carb dish, with only a small amount of carbohydrates coming from the onions and garlic used in the stuffing.

Fats

This dish is high in fats due to the bacon used to wrap the filet. However, the fats are mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are healthier options compared to saturated fats.

Proteins

Surprise Filet is a rich source of protein, with the beef filet providing a substantial amount of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish contains vitamins and minerals from the garlic, onions, and lime used in the recipe. These ingredients provide a variety of nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and bacon, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Surprise Filet is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Surprise Filet is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for special occasions or dinner parties. With a flavorful stuffing and juicy beef filet, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly coffee date. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most tantalizing aroma. Margaret had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she gestured towards the pot on the stove.

"Surprise Filet," she said with a sly smile. "You're going to love it."

I had never heard of Surprise Filet before, but I was intrigued. Margaret explained that it was a family recipe passed down through generations, and she was happy to share it with me. As she walked me through the steps of preparing the dish, I could tell that it was going to be something special.

The key to Surprise Filet, Margaret told me, was in the marinade. It was a blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a few secret ingredients that she refused to reveal. The filet mignon was then seared to perfection in a hot skillet before being finished off in the oven. The result was a tender, juicy steak with a rich, savory flavor that was truly unforgettable.

I couldn't wait to try making Surprise Filet for my family. I rushed home and immediately set to work gathering the ingredients. As I mixed up the marinade, the familiar scents of soy sauce and garlic filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of Margaret and our shared love of cooking.

When I presented the finished dish to my family that evening, they were blown away. The steak was so tender, it practically melted in our mouths, and the flavors of the marinade were complex and delicious. My husband declared it the best steak he had ever eaten, and my children begged me to make it again soon.

From that day on, Surprise Filet became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions and casual weeknight dinners alike, and it never failed to impress. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, and soon it became a favorite in our community as well.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I sometimes use a different cut of meat or experiment with new seasonings, but the essence of Surprise Filet remains the same. It is a dish that brings people together, evoking feelings of comfort and joy with every bite.

As I look back on that fateful day in Margaret's kitchen, I am grateful for the gift she gave me in sharing her family recipe. It has become a part of my own family's story, a tradition that we will carry on for generations to come. And every time I make Surprise Filet, I think of Margaret and the bond we share through our love of cooking.