Viva Fajitas!

Ancho Chili and Flank Steak Fajitas

Steak fajitas rank amongst my favorite things to eat. Delicious meat and vegetables wrapped up in a tortilla? Uhhh, yeah I'll have one (or two). I had a flank steak in the freezer that I wanted to eat before my upcoming meatless Lenten season began. I also had a couple of dried ancho chilies sitting in the pantry waiting for a purpose. It seemed like a match made in Meat Heaven. Topped with a little sour cream and homemade guacamole, this was a delightfully spicy and filling dinner.

Ingredients
- 1 flank steak, about 2 lbs. scored on both sides in a diamond pattern
- 2 dried ancho chili peppers
- 1 c. jarred Peppadew peppers
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp. cumin, divided
- 2 Tbsp. cardamom, divided
- 1 Tbsp. chipotle chili powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1/4 c. olive oil
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 yellow onion sliced in half and then lengthwise
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- flour tortillas

Place steak in a large baking dish. Season with sides with salt and pepper. Boil two cups of water in a medium sauce pan. Add ancho chilies and boil for about 8-10 minutes so that peppers soften. Remove stems and seeds and slice into 2" pieces. Place in a medium bowl or in a blender. Add garlic, Peppadews, 1 Tbsp. cumin, 1 Tbsp. cardamom, chili powder, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Blend ingredients together in a blender or with an immersion blender. Slowly drizzle in olive oil and blend to combine thoroughly. Brush marinade on both sides of steak, cover with plastic wrap, and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight.

Remove marinated steak from oven and heat the broiler in the oven. Broil steak to desired level or doneness, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove steak from oven, put on a plate, and tent with foil. Allow meat to rest for about five minutes before slicing.

While steak is broiling and resting, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onions and cook for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add peppers, tomatoes, and remaining spices. Cook over medium heat until all the vegetables cook down and soften. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Slice steak and serve fajitas in warmed tortillas with sour cream and guacamole. SO GOOD!