Grilled Ribeye Steaks with Smoked Tomatoes
Smoked tomatoes are layered with rich flavor that complements grilled meat. Throw vine-ripened tomatoes on the grill when they are inexpensive and plentiful. At season's end, try smoking green tomatoes, too.
2 cups hickory or oak chips
2 teaspoons
paprika 1 teaspoon
kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon
ground sage 1/4 teaspoon
garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon
dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon
black pepper 4 boneless beef ribeye steaks, cut 1-inch thick (2 1/2 to 3 pounds)
6 to 8 small heirloom, Campari, or roma tomatoes, halved
8 to 12 scallions, trimmed
Soak wood chips in enough water to cover for at least 1 hour before grilling.
In a small bowl combine paprika, salt, sage, garlic powder, dry mustard, and pepper; set aside ½ teaspoon of the spice mixture. Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over steaks; rub the mixture over both sides of the steaks.
Drain wood chips. For a charcoal grill, arrange medium-hot coals around a drip pan. Sprinkle wood chips over coals. Place steaks on grill rack over drip pan. Cover and grill for 16 to 20 minutes for medium rare (145 degrees) or 20 to 24 minutes for medium (160 degrees), turning once halfway through grilling.
Sprinkle tomatoes with reserved spice mixture. Place tomatoes, cut sides up, on grill rack over the dip pan and scallions on grill rack over coals for the last 8 to 10 minutes of grilling time, turning onions once.
(For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Add wood chips to grill according to manufacturer’s directions. Adjust for indirect cooking. Place steaks on grill rack over burner that is turned off. Cover; grill as directed.)
Let steaks stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve steaks with tomatoes and scallions.
Lay a thick slice of ripe tomato on a piece of hearty country bread. Top with a little salt and pepper and a slice of mozzarella or other mild, meltable cheese. Broil until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly. Enjoy immediately!
As prepared, each serving contains 782 calories, 61g total fat, 185mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 8g total carbohydrate and 50g protein.