French Dip Inspired Steak Sandwich

While everything bakes, halve, peel and thinly slice the red onion.

Heat a drizzle of oil and a knob of butter (if you have any) in a large frying pan on medium heat. 

Once hot, add the onion, season with salt and pepper and fry, stirring occasionally, until golden and softened, 8-10 mins.

Add the sugar for the onions (see pantry for amount) and cook until caramelised, 1-2 mins more.

While the onion cooks, grate the Cheddar. Halve the baby plum tomatoes.

When the onions are cooked, transfer to a small bowl. Stir in the fig jam and cover with a lid to keep warm.

Next, pour the water for the jus (see pantry for amount) into a small saucepan and bring to the boil on high heat.

Stir in the red wine jus paste, then reduce the heat to medium-high. TIP: If your red wine jus paste has hardened, put the sachet in a bowl of hot water for 1 min to loosen.

Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken, stirring regularly, 8-9 mins. Once thickened, remove from the heat, cover and set aside.

Wipe out the (now empty) frying pan, then return to a high heat with a drizzle of oil. Season the steaks with salt and pepper. TIP: Rump steaks naturally vary in shape, so adjust the following timings depending on how you like yours cooked.

Once very hot, lay the steaks into the pan and fry until browned and medium-rare, about 5 mins. Turn halfway through. TIP: Cook each side for 1 min more if you like it more well done. 

Once the steaks are cooked, transfer to a board, cover with foil and allow to rest for a couple of mins. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw meat. The steak is safe to eat when browned on the outside.

While the steaks cook, slice the baguette in half lengthways.

Spread the caramelised onions over the base and sprinkle the Cheddar over the lid. Return the baguette to the middle shelf of the oven until the cheese has melted, 3-5 mins.

Meanwhile, when the steaks are rested, slice widthways into 1cm slices. 

Once the cheese has melted, remove the baguette from the oven. Top with the sliced steak and spoon over 2 tbsp of the red wine jus, then sandwich shut and slice in half widthways.

Just before everything's ready, in a large bowl, toss the rocket and tomatoes with the balsamic glaze.