As quickly as winter arrives, my palate takes a tough flip towards wealthy, hearty meals and stays there fairly comfortably till spring. A lot of my time throughout the coldest months is spent cooking variations of cheese-driven consolation meals. And there is not any higher winter combo than a juicy steak smothered in a velvety, tacky cream sauce.

On this recipe, I pair chipotle peppers and blue cheese in a cream sauce that is daring, savory, and simply piquant sufficient to carry its personal in opposition to steak. Chipotle and blue cheese might appear to be an unlikely pairing, however food-science analysis means that components can work effectively collectively once they share fragrant compounds—an thought explored in a 2011 research revealed in Scientific Reviews. Each chipotle peppers and blue cheese comprise fragrant compounds related to smoky and savory notes, which helps clarify how the pepper’s complicated warmth and the cheese’s funky richness can reinforce one another with out overwhelming a cream sauce.

This recipe comes collectively rapidly on the stovetop, starting with butter, mushrooms, garlic, and thyme cooked till deeply aromatic. Oyster mushrooms work particularly effectively right here as a result of they’re tender and cook dinner rapidly, however any mushroom—resembling white button or cremini, or shiitake—will work effectively too. The mushrooms carry a savory, earthy depth, whereas thyme provides an assertive, nearly piney herbaceousness.

Smoky, fruity chipotle peppers add mild warmth and refined sweetness that play off the funky, tangy richness of blue cheese within the cream sauce. Gorgonzola works particularly effectively right here for its excessive fats content material, which helps it soften easily with out overpowering the sauce. A splash of white wine brightens the sauce simply sufficient to maintain it from feeling heavy. 

This sauce comes collectively so rapidly which you can make it whereas your steaks relaxation. It is easy sufficient for a weeknight, but creamy and sophisticated sufficient to really feel at residence in a Parisian brasserie. Spoon it over steak, roasted greens, or hen, and do not skip the leftovers: Make an elevated steak sandwich by spreading the chilly sauce on toasted bread with sliced leftover steak and peppery arugula.