Tri-tip is flavorful and well-marbled, but because it's really a roast rather than a steak, salt and seasonings don't affect it the same way they do a thinner cut. That's where this Mediterranean-inspired relish comes in. The combination of roasted red pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers adds savor to every bite.

Yield: Makes 4-6 servings
Active Time: 35 min
Total Time: 1 1/4 hr

Ingredients:
1 red bell pepper
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons drained capers, chopped
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, toasted and coarsely ground
1/2 teaspoon sugar, or to taste
1 (2- to 2 1/2-pounds) tri-tip beef roast (also called triangular roast; about 2 inches thick)
1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup chopped basil

Directions
Make roasted-pepper mixture:

Roast bell pepper on rack of a gas burner over high heat (or broil 2 to 3 inches from heat), turning with tongs, until skin is blackened, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and tightly cover, then let stand 20 minutes. Peel, then discard stem and seeds. Chop pepper and return to bowl.

Mince and mash garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt, then stir into roasted pepper with sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tablespoon oil, capers, zest, juice, fennel seeds, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.