Stader Fladensteak

Background

The Stader Fladensteak is a culinary delight hailing from the charming town of Stade, located in Lower Saxony, Germany. This delectable dish combines the classic flavors of a steak with the comforting warmth of a fladen, which is a type of flatbread. Historically, the Stader Fladensteak was a staple dish among the local fishermen, who would enjoy it after a long day out at sea. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved regional specialty enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Ingredients

• Steak - 500 grams
• Fladen - 2 pieces
• Onion - 1 large
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Mushrooms - 200 grams
• Butter - 50 grams
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon
• Cheese (preferably Emmental) - 100 grams
• Spinach - 100 grams

Preparation

Begin by preparing the steak. Season it generously with salt and black pepper. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

In the meantime, chop the onion and garlic finely. Slice the mushrooms and rinse the spinach thoroughly.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Searing the Steak

Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the steak and sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Adjust the cooking timer to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetable Mix

In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms until they're golden brown. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Add the spinach and thyme, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Step 3: Assembling the Fladensteak

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the fladen on a baking sheet. Top each fladen with half of the vegetable mixture. Slice the steak thinly and place the slices on top of the vegetables.

Grate the cheese and sprinkle it generously over the steak slices. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enjoying Your Meal

The Stader Fladensteak is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Consider pairing it with a glass of dry red wine or a refreshing lager beer. The flavors of the juicy steak, melted cheese, and savory fladen come together in perfect harmony, making it a meal to remember. This dish is excellent for special occasions or as a hearty family dinner.