Cullen's Mediterranean Lamb Steaks

4 good sized lamb steaks
good splash of good olive oil
1 onion, sliced
1/2 bottle strong red wine
3 bay leaves
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 red pepper that has been whizzed in the food processor
1 can peeled plum tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato puree
chopped parsley to garnish

Heat the oil in a large, heavy bottomed frying pan and cook the onion for a couple of minutes. Add the lamb steaks and sear on both sides to seal them. Add the wine and let most of it evaporate. Add the bay leaves, cover, turn down the heat and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Add the tinned tomatoes and the puree, the peppers and the garlic and continue to cook, covered for a further 5 minutes. Remove from the pan, allow to rest for a couple of minutes before covering with finely chopped parsley. Serve with ratatouille. These cooking times should leave the lamb medium. If you prefer yours pinker cut the cooking times by a couple of minutes each. Serves 4.

1959 Alaska and Hawaii become states.