The 1901 Cookbook Archive
No. 814 — Beefsteak on a Gridiron
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 814 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
Cut the beef into steaks. Place an iron vessel used for coals in front of the stove, put an inverted lid over it and heap hot coals onto the lid.
Set a gridiron on its legs above the coals, lay the steaks on it and immediately fan the coals with bellows.
The historic directions say to turn the steaks after 2½ minutes and finish after another 2½ minutes. Transfer immediately to a dish and garnish with potatoes and horseradish, serving fresh butter alongside.
Historical editorial note: These five-minute cooking directions describe an old charcoal method, not a verified safe internal cooking temperature.
Original source: Read Russian recipe No. 814. Historical quantities and terminology are retained. See the measurements guide. Period preparation and storage methods are not modern safety guidance.