Strip-Steak Sandwiches

• Recipe by Suzanne Goin

L.A. chef Suzanne Goin (an F&W Best New Chef 1999) grew up on the healthy flavors of California cooking and embraces that style in her cooking.

Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
2. 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
3. 2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary
4. 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
5. Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
6. 1 3/4 pounds New York strip steaks, cut 1 inch thick
7. 1 cup pitted green olives (6 ounces), finely chopped
8. 3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
9. 2 teaspoons chopped oregano
10. 1 tablespoon chopped mint
11. 2 teaspoons chopped capers
12. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13. 4 crusty rolls, split
14. 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Preheat a grill. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the lemon zest, rosemary, crushed red pepper, 1 tablespoon of sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Rub the mixture all over the steaks and let stand for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the olives with the parsley, oregano, mint, capers, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil.
3. Scrape the marinade off the steaks and season them with salt and pepper. Grill the steaks over moderately high heat, turning them occasionally, about 10 minutes for medium-rare meat. Let the steaks rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes, then thinly slice them crosswise.
4. Meanwhile, brush the cut sides of the rolls with olive oil and grill until toasted, about 1 minute. Spoon half of the olive relish on the rolls and top with the sliced steak and tomatoes. Sprinkle lightly with salt and spoon the remaining relish on top. Close the sandwiches and serve.