SWEET and sour dishes have long been a staple at Far Eastern mealtimes, with orange or pineapple used to create a delicious contrast to some spicy pork or beef.

Don’t forget, however, that these principles can be applied to many British ingredients, especially at this time of year when our soft fruits are starting to get into full swing.

If you head down to your next Worcestershire farmers’ market you will be able to buy a fair few of the ingredients for the following recipe knowing full well that what you are eating is local, fresh and of the highest quality. Try the Rochford Country Meats, Eye Game Larder or Larkin’s Family Meats stalls for the best steaks. Lots of producers will have fresh, locally-grown and ripened on the plant strawberries. Just wander about and pick up what you need.

The sweetness of the strawberries gives this dish a fabulous flavour – it can even be cooked on a barbecue, so invite a few friends round and give them a treat.

PEPPERED STEAK WITH STRAWBERRY GLAZE

INGREDIENTS

For the glaze:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
200g strawberries
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Small handful basil, shredded

For the steak:

1 tablespoon English mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 sirloin steak, about 1-inch thick (about 800g)

METHOD

For the glaze: In a saucepan, over a medium heat, add olive oil, and heat, then add onion, garlic and strawberries and cook, stirring occasionally for five to six minutes, or until strawberries are just softened. Add vinegar, honey, salt and pepper and cook for two minutes. Purée in blender or food processor.

For the steak: In a small bowl, combine the mustard, garlic, pepper and salt. Rub over steak. Grill steak for four or five minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you wish. Let stand for five minutes. Spoon over sauce. Garnish with basil.

Today’s farmers’ market is at St Peter’s Garden Centre, from 9.30am until 2pm. Next weekend’s markets are in Victoria Square, Droitwich, from 9am until 2pm on Saturday, July 3, and from 9am until 3pm in Angel Place, Worcester, on Sunday, July 4.