Grilled Steak Taquitos

Ingredients:
5 T olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped yellow onions
2 teaspoons minced fresh seeded jalapeno
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup black beans, soaked overnight and drained
1/2 cup plus 2 T chopped cilantro leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
4 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon ground cumin
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound flank steak
1/4 cup southwest spice mix
1 roasted poblano pepper, peeled, seeded, and julienned
1 roasted ancho pepper, peeled, seeded and julienned
1 roasted jalapeno, peeled, seeded, and minced
1 roasted yellow pepper, peeled, seeded, and julienned
1 roasted red pepper, peeled, seeded, and julienned
1/2 small red onion, julienned
3 T fresh lemon juice
3 T fresh lime juice
6 T chopped fresh cilantro leaves
8 large corn tortillas, covered with a damp cloth
vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup grated pepper Monterey Jack
1 cup sour cream

Optional: 2 T tequila

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Ingredients for southwest spice seasoning:
2 T chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 T paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 T ground coriander
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 T garlic powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 T salt
1 T dried oregano

Preparing the black beans:
In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the onions for 1 minute. Add the jalapenos, 1 teaspoon of the minced garlic, black beans, and 1/4 cup of the cilantro. Stir in the chicken stock and cumin, bring the liquid up to a boil, and reduce to a simmer.

Cook the beans, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 hours or until the beans are tender. Remove from the heat and using a hand-held immersion blender or in batches in a food processor, puree the beans until smooth.

Alternatively, leave the beans whole for a chunkier texture. Season with cumin, and salt and pepper, to taste.

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Preparing the steak:
Preheat the grill to medium-high, about 350 degrees F.

Season the flank steak with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the southwest spice seasoning. Place on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from the grill and allow to rest.

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Preparing the roasted pepper salsa:
In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted peppers, remaining 1 teaspoon minced garlic, the red onions, lemon and lime juices, and 2 tablespoons of the cilantro and mix thoroughly. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Set aside until ready to serve.

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Assembling and preparing the taquitos:
Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep-fat-fryer or enough oil to come halfway up the sides of a large pot to 350 degrees F.

Preheat a medium skillet over medium-high heat.

With a pastry brush, lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place 1 tortilla at a time in a skillet until just warm and softened, 2 to 5 seconds per side. Transfer to a work surface and continue with the remaining tortillas.

Slice the flank steak into very thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Place about 2 ounces of the flank steak and 2 tablespoons of the grated cheese in the center of each tortilla. Tuck the sides in and roll the tortilla up tightly. (The taquitos should resemble an over-sized pencil shape.) Fry 3 to 4 taquitos at a time for 3 minutes or until crispy. Drain on paper towels and season lightly with southwest spice seasoning.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, tequila, and remaining 1/4 cup cilantro, mix well, and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Spoon the black bean puree into the center of 1 large platter or 4 small plates and top with the cream. Arrange the taquitos around the beans, spoon the additional cream along the side, and serve with the roasted pepper salsa. Garnish the platter or plates with fresh cilantro sprigs and serve immediately.

Serves 4