You can't beat rare pan fried fillet steak with chunky homemade chips, a real classic.

Fillet is one of the most expensive cuts of beef because it is so tender. When cut into steaks it is great for pan frying, or fast roast it whole. Try to keep the fillet medium-rare as it loses all its flavour if overcooked.

Serves 4

450 g Desirée potatoes
4 fillet steaks
1 bottle vegetable oil
25g butter
peppery salad leaves
salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Chop the potatoes in thick chips, wash thoroughly and pat dry on kitchen paper. Fill a heavy based saucepan to one third full of oil and heat to 120C. Carefully add the chips and cook for 5 minutes, until soft but not browned. Drain the chips and leave on kitchen paper. Heat the oil to 190C.

2. Season the steaks on both sides. Heat a non-stick frying pan until smoking hot. Carefully lay the steaks in the frying pan. Fry for 3 minutes on one side then turn over. Always turn the first steak laid in the pan first. Fry for 3 minutes then add the butter to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the steaks, then remove from the pan and set aside to rest. These times are for rare steak, for medium add another minute each side.

3. Return the chips to the pan of hot oil and cook for a further 2-3 minuntes until golden brown. Drain well and serve with the chips and a mixed salad of peppery leaves.