This recipe came to The Times in 1990 in Pierre Franey's 60-Minute Gourmet column. A lentil salad (we used those tiny French green lentils, but you can use the standard supermarket variety as well) is dressed with a Dijon mustard vinaigrette, then topped with skirt steak that's been seared in a cast-iron pan. A simple sauce, made by deglazing the pan with butter, garlic and parsley, is drizzled over the top. It is classic Franey – uncomplicated, elegant and delicious.
02In a large mixing bowl combine the mustard, 3/4 cup of oil and the vinegar, onions, tarragon, salt and pepper. Blend well with a wire whisk. Add the lentils and stir. Serve warm, lukewarm or cool.
03To prepare the meat, sprinkle it on both sides with salt and pepper and brush with 1 tablespoon of oil.
04Heat a cast-iron skillet large enough to hold two steaks over high heat, add the steaks and brown them for 3 minutes for medium-rare. Turn and continue cooking until they are thoroughly browned, about 3 minutes more. Remove to a warm platter. Repeat the procedure for the two remaining steaks.
05Pour the fat from the skillet and reduce the heat. Add the butter, garlic and parsley. Cook briefly, stirring. Add any juices from the platter and blend well. Pour the sauce over the steaks and serve with the lentil salad immediately.