Ingredients

Serves 8

　　2 tablespoons vegetable oil

　　a 3 1/2-pound fillet of beef at room temperature

　　chipotle red pepper sauce and mustard chive sauce as accompaniments

　　

For the chipotle red pepper sauce:

3 cups thinly sliced red bell pepper (about 13 large peppers)

　　2 tablespoons olive oil

　　1 canned chipotle chili in adobo (available at Mexican markets, some specialty foods shops, and some supermarkets), unseeded

　　2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

　　

For the mustard chive sauce:

1/2 cup dry mustard

　　3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

　　1 1/2 teaspoon sugar

　　1 1/2 teaspoons salt

　　3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into bits and softened

　　3 tablespoons minced fresh chives

　　

To make the roast fillet of beef

Step 1

In a heavy flameproof roasting pan heat the oil over moderate high heat until it is hot but not smoking, add the beef, patted dry and seasoned with salt and pepper, and brown it, turning it every 2 minutes, for 10 minutes. Roast the beef in a preheated 500°F. oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers 130°F. The narrow end of the beef will be medium-rare; the wide end will be rare. Serve the beef with the sauces.

　　

To make the red pepper sauce:

Step 2

In a heavy skillet cook the bell peppers in the oil, covered, over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are soft. In a blender purée the mixture with the chipotle, the Worcestershire sauce, and salt to taste. The sauce may be made 2 days in advance and kept covered and chilled. Transfer the sauce to a sauceboat and serve it warm or at room temperature.

　　

Step 3

Makes about 1 cup.

　　

To make the mustard chive sauce

Step 4

In a small bowl stir together the mustard, the vinegar, the sugar, the salt, and 3 tablespoons water, making a smooth paste, and let the mixture stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water and whisk in the butter until it is just melted and incorporated thoroughly. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chives. Transfer the sauce to a sauceboat and serve it warm or at room temperature.

　　

Step 5

Makes about 1 cup.