2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
1 teaspoon white peppercorns
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons dried lavender blossoms (optional)* 

 

Combine first 4 ingredients and lavender, if using, in mortar and coarsely crush with pestle (or place in resealable plastic bag and coarsely crush with rolling pin).

Rub 1 tablespoon oil over beef, then coat beef with spice mixture. Let stand 1 hour at room temperature.