Grilled Skirt Steak with Fregola and Italian Frying Peppers

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the olive oil with the minced garlic, thyme and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. On a rimmed baking sheet, rub the skirt steak with the flavored oil and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup of the oil in a large skillet. Add the peppers and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring, until it softens, about 2 minutes. Transfer the peppers to a large bowl.

Cook the fregola in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain the fregola well in a colander and let cool. Add the fregola to the peppers along with the parsley leaves, sherry vinegar and the remaining 1/2 cup of oil. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss well.

Light a grill. Grill the skirt steak over a hot fire, turning once, about 8 minutes for medium. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then cut it into 5-inch lengths. Thinly slice the steak across the grain and serve with the fregola and peppers.

Fregola is a small, round, Sardinian couscous that is cooked like pasta. It is available at Italian markets and specialty shops, or online from cybercucina.com.