Tuesday 31 March 2015

Wild Irish Venison with Port, Figs and Watercress Salad



As venison is going out of season so I wanted to produce a recipe that showcases the last of this locally-produced winter speciality combined with watercress, the first shoots of which should be coming above ground this week. Eating seasonally is important firstly because you are getting the food to your table at it's best tasting and most nutritious. Secondly, it is good for the environment because it usually has to travel a great fewer air miles to get from farm to fork.

Wild Venison can be difficult to source if you don't live in a country area or are not in the food industry but usually a search online can provide you with a lot of resources. I have linked a couple below. Just remember that because venison is so low in fat, cook it quickly and keep it on the rare side or it will be tough.

Ingredients:
  • 100ml cold-pressed rapeseed oil
  • 5 small red chillies, whole
  • 4 small red onions, finely sliced
  • 800g wild Irish Venison haunch steaks
  • 200g soft dried figs
  • 50ml port wine
  • 150ml balsamic vinegar
This is a really fast recipe to make so is perfect for a quick midweek dinner or weekend lunch.

Heat half the rapeseed oil in a heavy frying pan. Add the chillies to the hot oil and coat completely, cooking for about two minutes or until the skins just begin to blister.
Stir in the red onions and cook for three minutes. Add the venison steaks, turning to seal all sides of the meat. Cook for about eight minutes for medium-rare. Add the figs and remaining oil, then the port and the balsamic vinegar and reduce for about three minutes.

For the watercress salad, simply wash and dry lightly and very lightly toss the salad with a refreshing dressing of your choice as the protein dish is already quite rich.

If you can get your hands on some smoked sea salt or smoke your own it can really enhance the balance of the dish.

http://www.belmontorganicvenison.ie/

http://www.coopershill.com/venisonprices.html

http://www.ballinwillinhouse.com/farm-shop/




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