Ingredients

  • 2 large navel oranges
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon white peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried lavender blossoms (optional)*
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1 1/4-pound trimmed beef tenderloin
  • 2 cups lightly packed fresh arugula
  • 1 2-ounce wedge aged Gouda cheese, shaved using vegetable peeler

Method

  • Using small sharp knife, cut off peel and white pith from oranges.
  • Working over medium bowl, cut between membranes to release sections.
  • Cut each section crosswise into 4 pieces and add to bowl.
  • Mix in remaining ingredients.
  • Cover; chill at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
  • Combine first 4 ingredients and lavender, if using, in mortar and coarsely crush with pestle (or place in resealable plastic bag and coarsely crush with rolling pin).
  • Rub 1 tablespoon oil over beef, then coat beef with spice mixture.
  • Let stand 1 hour at room temperature.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over high heat.
  • Add beef and sear on all sides, turning every 2 minutes, about 12 minutes total (beef will be rare in center).
  • Chill until cold, then wrap in plastic and freeze 1 hour.
  • Slice meat as thinly as possible (sliced meat can be pounded between layers of waxed paper until paper-thin, if desired).
  • Toss arugula with juices from salsa and mound on platter.
  • Top with salsa.
  • Surround with meat and cheese.
  • *Available at natural foods stores.