Beef Medallions with Kasha Pilaf

Ingredients

 2/3 cup buckwheat groats,* such as Arrowhead Mills brand
 2 tablespoons olive oil
 1/2 cup chopped red onion (1 medium)
 2 large cloves garlic, minced
 1/4 cup dried cherries
 1/4 cup coarsely snipped fresh basil
 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
 1/2 teaspoon salt
 1 pound beef shoulder petite tenders 
 1/4 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

 In a medium saucepan bring 1-1/2 cups water to boiling. Stir in buckwheat groats; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes or until done (you should have about 2 cups of cooked groats). Set aside.

 In a large nonstick skillet heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or just until onion begins to soften.

 Drain cooked groats, if necessary. Add onion mixture to the cooked groats. Stir in 4 teaspoons of the remaining oil, the cherries, basil, vinegar, and salt. Let stand at room temperature while you prepare the beef.

 Meanwhile, cut beef crosswise into 12 slices, each about 1 inch thick. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the same skillet; heat over medium heat. Evenly sprinkle beef pieces with Montreal seasoning. Cook beef pieces in hot oil about 6 minutes or until medium doneness (145 degrees F), turning once halfway through cooking time. Serve beef pieces over groats mixture. Sprinkle with toasted almonds.

Tip

* Be sure to purchase buckwheat groats that have been toasted.

Tip

Tip: To toast whole nuts or large pieces, spread in a shallow baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in a 350 degrees F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until golden, shaking pan once or twice.