| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 398 | 15g | 6g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 2g | 55g | 1.3g |
If someone were to ask me what combines the heartiness of a mountain meal with the daring wild taste of game, my answer would be New Zealand Venison with Horopito Spice. This recipe, quite simply, takes me back to the fresh, invigorating air of the Rocky Mountains where I first discovered my love for cooking game meats. Pairing delicate venison loin with the exciting, lip-smacking taste of Horopito spice, it encapsulates a fusion of my culinary journey right on a plate.
The Unique Blend of Flavors
A remarkable thing about cooking with game meats such as Venison, is their lean nature. The robust flavor of venison loin marries well with the spiciness of Horopito. What’s even more fascinating about this New Zealand Venison with Horopito Spice, is the unexpected twist of adding mixed berries. It brings a sweet, fruity compote-like feel, countering the heat, and introducing a gust of freshness to the dish.
The Health Perks
We all know the nutritional boons of Venison – a low-fat, high protein alternative to other red meats. But there’s more to this recipe that meets the eye. The mixed berries, besides adding a sweet and tangy contrast to the gamey venison, also pack in a decent amount of antioxidants and fiber keeping your heart hale and hearty. Furthermore, the honey and horopito in this recipe go beyond just flavoring. Honey, a natural sweetener, has antioxidants while horopito, native to New Zealand, is acknowledged for its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
The added bonus? The combination of wine, beef stock, olive oil, aromatic garlic, and onion provides a taste-profile that might make you forget that you’re actually doing your health a huge favor.
The Ideal Companion Dishes
The question then arises, what does one serve this savory star with? Being a hearty, robust dish itself, this Venison recipe pairs well with sides that complement its taste while allowing it to shine. A fresh herbed couscous salad or a simple roasted winter vegetables dish can be the perfect accompaniment.
In conclusion, New Zealand Venison with Horopito Spice is more than an exotic recipe. It represents a harmony of flavors, drawing inspiration from nature and the wilds, while sneaking in some substantial health benefits. It’s the kind of comforting, hearty dish you’d want to sit down with, after a long day out in the great outdoors, whether the snowy peaks of New Zealand or the Rocky Mountains.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of New Zealand Venison loin
- 1 tablespoon of horopito spice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of red wine
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup of beef stock
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of cornflour
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 1/2 cup of fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning the New Zealand venison loin with the horopito spice, salt, and pepper. Make sure all sides of the venison are properly coated.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned venison loin and cook until it has browned on all sides. This generally takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the venison from the pan and set aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the onion and garlic and sauté them until they become fragrant and the onions are soft. This usually takes about 3 minutes.
Step Four
Decrease the heat to medium and pour in the red wine, making sure to stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any stuck bits. Allow the wine to simmer for about 5 minutes or until it has reduced by half.
Step Five
Add the beef stock and honey to the pan, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture come to a simmer.
Step Six
In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with the 2 tablespoons of water until it forms a paste. Add this paste to the simmering sauce in the pan and stir well to mix. This will thicken the sauce.
Step Seven
Return the venison loin to the pan, covering it with the sauce. Add the mixed berries into the pan. Allow the venison to cook for another 10-15 minutes or until it has reached your desired level of doneness.
Step Eight
Remove the pan from heat. Slice the venison loin and serve it with the sauce and berries from the pan. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
