Ingredients
1 small ancho chile, stemmed, seeded and halved
1/4 C toasted cumin seeds
2/3 C light cream
1/4 tsp dried oregano
Freshly ground pepper
Salt
Four 1/2 lb. ribeye steaks, about 1/2 in. thick
1/2 C water
Preparation
Heat a small iron skillet. Using a spatula, press the chile into the skillet, skin side down, and toast over moderately high heat until beginning to blister, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add the cumin seeds to the skillet and toast until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add to the chile.
Cut the chile into small pieces and transfer to a saucepan. Add the cumin, cream, oregano and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer over moderate heat, stirring, until reduced to about 1/2 C, 6 to 8 minutes. Strain the sauce, return it to the saucepan and keep warm.
Sprinkle 2 large cast-iron skillets with a scant 1/4 tsp. salt each and heat until almost smoking. Add the steaks and cook 2-3 minutes per side. Plate the steaks and top with the sauce.
