Filet Mignon with Blueberry-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

From EatingWell:  August/September 2006, EatingWell for a Healthy Heart Cookbook (2008)

Blueberries, loaded with antioxidants, have a balance of sweet and sour, which makes them an excellent base for a rich, tangy barbecue sauce. Fresh thyme rubbed on the steak dovetails wonderfully with the blueberries. Serve with fresh tomato wedges.

4 servings | Active Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Blueberry-Bourbon Barbecue Sauce

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 1/2 small red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons molasses
  • Pinch of ground allspice

Filet Mignon

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • 1 pound filet mignon, 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick, trimmed and cut into 4 portions

Preparation

  1. To prepare sauce: Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and just starting to brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeño and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add bourbon, increase heat to high and bring to a boil; cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, 2 to 5 minutes. Stir in blueberries, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, molasses and allspice; return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Preheat grill to high.
  3. Combine thyme, oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture on all sides of steaks. Grill the steaks 3 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving with the sauce.

Nutrition

Per serving : 309 Calories; 12 g Fat; 3 g Sat; 6 g Mono; 67 mg Cholesterol; 16 g Carbohydrates; 25 g Protein; 1 g Fiber; 430 mg Sodium; 462 mg Potassium

Exchanges: 3 1/2 lean meat