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1
For the sauce: Place the chiles directly over a gas flame or place on a grill until blackened on all sides and softened, 5 to 6 minutes.
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2
Place the roasted chiles in a bowl.
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3
Cover and let them steam, 10 to 15 minutes.
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4
Peel the chiles.
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5
Cut off the stems, cut the chiles lengthwise in half and scrape out any seeds.
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6
Roughly chop the chiles.
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7
Combine the oregano, fennel seeds and crushed red pepper in a mortar.
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8
Grind with a pestle to a coarse powder.
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9
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
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10
Add the herb mixture and stir until fragrant and the oil is bubbling, 1 to 2 minutes.
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11
Add the garlic and stir 30 seconds.
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12
Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato paste and the chopped poblanos.
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13
Bring to a simmer, whisking to blend.
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14
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
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15
Season with salt and pepper.
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16
For the steaks: In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch, salt and pepper to blend evenly.
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17
Rub a generous 1/2 teaspoon of the seasoning mixture over each side of each steak to coat.
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18
Arrange the steaks on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
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19
Preheat a ridged grill pan (preferably cast iron) over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes.
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20
Brush the pan with oil.
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21
Cook the steaks until the bottom is crusty, about 5 minutes.
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22
Flip the steaks over and cook again until the bottom is crusty, but the center is still medium-rare, about 4 minutes longer.
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23
Transfer the steaks to a platter or individual plates.
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24
Let stand 5 minutes.
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25
Spoon the sauce alongside.