Rack of Venison on Braised Beets with Horseradish Creme
Makes 4 Servings
Elegant and beautiful, this dish pairs the rich flavors and red color of venison racks and braised beets with a creamy, spicy horseradish crème.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Venison Rack
- 8 Juniper Berries, crushed
- 2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- 1 tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Freshly Ground Pepper
- 1 Tbsp High Heat, Neutral Oil (Canola, Grapeseed or Safflower)
- Roasted Beets:
- 2 Tbsp High Heat, Neutral Oil (Canola, Grapeseed or Safflower)
- 1 Onion, medium diced
- 1 cup Red Wine
- 1 cup Beef Stock, Chicken Stock or Water
- 2 tsp Honey
- 4 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar, divided
- 4 medium Red Beets, peeled and cut into ½-inch wedges
- Pinch or two of Salt
- Horseradish Crème:
- 3.5 fl oz Crème Fraîche
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Superfine Sugar
- 4 tsp finely grated Fresh Horseradish, or 2 tsp Prepared Horseradish
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 3-4 grinds of Fresh Pepper
- Optional: Fresh Dill or Rosemary Leaves for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2
Grind the juniper berries, rosemary, black pepper, and teaspoon of salt together in a clean coffee or spice grinder. Divide this spice blend in half.
3
Heat 2 Tbsp of the oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high. Add the chopped onion, and saute until it’s soft and golden, then stir in the first half of the juniper-rosemary spice blend. Add the wine, the stock or water, two tbsp of the red wine vinegar, and the honey, and stir well.
Add the beets, bring to a boil, cover the pan, and transfer it into the oven to cook for 40 minutes. At that time, remove the lid, give the beets a quick stir, and cook for an additional 20 minutes uncovered.
Add the beets, bring to a boil, cover the pan, and transfer it into the oven to cook for 40 minutes. At that time, remove the lid, give the beets a quick stir, and cook for an additional 20 minutes uncovered.
4
Rub the remaining half of the spice mixture evenly over the venison rack. Set it aside at room temperature.
5
To make the horseradish crème, simply mix the crème fraiche, Dijon mustard, and sugar in a small bowl. Add the horseradish bit by bit, to your taste. It should be quite sharp and punchy, though, to offset the sweetness of the beets and the meaty venison.
6
When your beets are on their last 20 minutes of cooking, heat 1 Tbsp of oil in another ovenproof pan. When hot, sear the tenderloin on both sides, turning occasionally, until well browned. Put the pan into the oven and check after 7 minutes, temping it with a digital thermometer. Remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, tent it with foil, and let rest 6-8 minutes.
7
Once the beets are tender, stir in the remaining 2 tbsp of red wine vinegar to brighten them up.
8
To plate, spoon a stack of beets onto a plate or into a shallow bowl. Slice the venison into chops, and serve 2 of them over each serving of beets. Top with a dollop of horseradish crème, and garnish (if desired) with fresh dill or rosemary.